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Bristol, Connecticut 

( "In tne Olden 1 ime 

•NEW CAMBRIDGE") 

Which Incluaes 

FORESTVILLE. 




HARTFORD, CONN. 

CITY PRINTING COMPANY 

19 7. 



^K 

<<'" -«•- 



PIPLISHED BY 



EDDY N. ^,"111 H 
GtlORGC BCMTON SMITH 
ami ALLCX'A ,1, DTXTriS 



Assisted by (,. 11'. /•'. BLANCH l-I l-.l IK 
■/ 3 5 & X> Y 



/TThis work is respectfully dedicated to 
the memory of those Bristol men 
and women of other days, whose stead- 
fast integrity and undaunted persever- 
ance, has made it possible for Bristol to 
become the eminently prosperous com- 
munity that it is today. 




approaching bristol on a 
winter's morning. 



XEW CAMBI^IUGE. 



m 


Mtrahmtxan 


^ 



By Frfderick Calvix Norton. 

BRISTOL is less fortunate than some other towns in the state 
in that its complete history- has not as yet been written by 
any one Hving within its borders. This work offers a very 
fruitful field of investigation for some historical student of the 
future, and it is the fond hope of all natives and residents of the town 
that such a history of Bristol will be produced within the memory of 
men now living. Fragmentary historical sketches of Bristol have been 
written with ability in the years that are jmst by Bristol men or women, 
and they have served their purpose. The real history of the hustling 
town among the hills of Hartford County, from the time that the hardy 
settlers of Farmington pushed their way through the woods and under- 
brush to what is now Bristol, to the present period of great comniercial 
and social prosperity, has yet to come from the press. 

When an effort is made to gather what has been written by Bristol 
people about their own town, and present it in a substantial, permanent 
form for posterity to look at, it is a matter of satisfaction to all those 
who have the welfare of Bristol at heart. If wc have no completed 
history of the place any effort to collect what has been written and to 
present it in an attractive manner ought to meet with the appreciative 
sui)port of all the people of the town. This book is such an undertak- 
ing; and it has been carried through with signal success. All that is of 
interest to the many inhabitants of this hill town has been embodied b}' 
the publishers between these two covers; and if anything has been 
omitted, it is the result of oversight. The book is most comprehensive 
and ambitious in its detail; it has been revised and rearranged several 
times, so that all departments of Bristol's life may hnd a place in the 
volume and the publishers may feel proud of their real success in the 
undertaking. 

Many articles that have been printed in years past are here re- 
produced for the pur]K)se of j^lacing them on record permanently. 

To the people of this town the work will be interesting for years to 
come, and will serve its mission, even if not a complete history of the 
subject; and, to coming generations, it will stand as a'^monument of the 
history of present day Bristol. 



BRISTo: , CO.WHfllCL'r 





NEAR PIKRCE's BRIDGE. 



XKW CAMBRIDGE. 



^^ 


INDIANS 

Of BRISTOL and VICINITY 


.« 



Bv ^fiLo Leox Xortox 



THE Indians who frequented Bristol before its settlement by 
the English, were of the Tunxis tribe, of Farmington, and 
there is no evidence that there were ever any dwelling places 
other than teniporary camps of individuals, or, at most, small 
parties of the aborigines, within what are now the boundaries of the 
township. 

In the early history of the town of Farmington, mention is naade of 
that section now divided into the towns of Bristol and Burlington, under 
the general name of the "West Woods." It was the resort of the white 
hunters of that early period, by virtue of a treaty with the Indians by 
which hunting and fishing rights were to be equally enjoyed by whites 
and Indians; and so plentiful was the game in the forests which then 
covered the hills and valleys of Bristol and Burlington, that venison 
and bear meat sold at a very low price in the Farmington market. Dr. 
Noah Porter said in an address at the celebration of the two hundredth 
anniversary of Farmington, in 1840, "There are men now living, who 
remember when venison was sold in our streets at 2d the pound." 

Previous to the discovery of the beautiful meadows at the great 
bend of the Tunxis River, which the early records name, "Tvnxis Sepvs" 
(literally the little river, to distinguish it from the great river, the Con- 
necticut), nothing was known of the territory west of the Talcott range, 
except fis it may have been penetrated rareh- by a few daring hunters 
and explorers. When a treaty was ratified with the Indians, in 1650, 
and the lands opened for settlement, two well-defined trails led west- 
ward through the woods, one practically where the first colonial road 
was built from Chippen's Hill to Farmington; the other southwestwards 
crossing the mountain west of the sewer beds diagonally; crossing the 
present town of Wolcott also in a southwesterly direction; thence through 
the southeast corner of Plymouth to Waterville, then in the territory 
known as Mattatuck. Over this trail to Mattatuck the early settlers 
of Waterbury travelled, taking the first millstones ever used in that 
town on horseback. At the reservoir on South Mountain, southwest 
of the Allen place, near the south end of the pond, and not far from the 
town line, the trail crossed what was then a swami) over a causeway 
• of loose stones and earth, the nearest approach to a nxidway ever made 
by the aborigines. 

The trail crossed Mad Riv.M- nc;ir tin.- ])i';ivlm- da'-ii whicli thL-ii existed 



10 



URISTOL, CONNEtTICUT 




JACKS CAVE. 

near the south end of the Cedar Swamp reservoir, continuing south- 
westerly, the present highway following it for seme distance. A cave, 
near Allentown, known as Jack's Cave, is but a short distance from 
the old trail. The Indians made it a stopping-place on their journeys 
to and from Mattatuck. It was afterward inhabited for many years 
by a negro, named Jack, who had a squaw for a wife, and who subsisted 
by basket making. There is a fireplace which has a natural flue ex- 
tending to the top of the cliff. The open side of the cave was protected 
by slabs and earth, forming a comtortable dwelling. At Allentown, 
upon the farm of Walter Tolles, were open fields, which were cultivated 
by the sqviaws in suminer; and corn and beans, and perhaps tobacco for 
the pipe of peace, were grown there. 

It seems to have been the custom for certain of the huntsmen of 
the tribe, in their communistic form of government peculiar to tlie race, 
to hunt in certain areas which were either assigned by the chief, in his 
patriarchal capacity, or were held by common consent dtiring the pleasure 
of the individual hunters. At any rate trespassing upon each other's 
hunting preserves was looked upon with disfavor; and encroachment 
by the white hunters, notwithstanding treaty privileges, was not en- 
tirely satisfactcjry to the dusky huntsmen who claimed certain tracts- 
as their private territory. This state of affairs was the more aggravated, 
doubtless, by the gradual disappearance of the game caused by the in- 
roads made by the white hunters, with their superior weapons, the 
skillful use of which, however, was soon acquired by the led men. 

Thus previous to the first settlement of Bristol by the Whites, after 
this part of Farmington had become somewhat famous as a hunting- 
ground, hunters from Farmington, Hartford, Wetheisfield, and even 
Wallingford, which then included Mcriden and Cheshire, penetrated 
these dense v,-oods and returned laden with trophies of the chase. It 
ought to be mentioned in passing, however, that there was then no 
undergrowth, the Indians am uellv luirirg ever the woods, so that one 



OR "XEW CAMBRIDGE. 



11 



could see quite a distance through the standing timber, and pass rapidly 
and easily through. 

Among these early hunters were Gideon Ives, of Middletown, and 
Capt. Jesse Gaylord, of Wallingford. They were companions in hunt- 
ing expeditions, both being famous hunters. It is a tradition in the 
Ives family, that their ancestor was, like Nimrod, a mighty hunter; 
his proud boast being that from these "West Woods" he had taken be- 
tween four and five hundred deer, eighty or ninety bears, and a large 
amount of other game. On one occasion the two were stalking a deer 
which they saw upon the summit of the hill since known as the Rock 
Lot, just south of the residence of James Peckham, near the Cedar 
Swamp. The deer was making toward the east, and the two hunters 
agreed to separate, one going around the hill on the north side, and the 
other on the south side, the one who sighted the deer first to shoot it. 
Just as Mr. Gaylord reached the eastern extremity of the hill, which 
slopes to the edge of a swamp in that direction, he saw an Indian taking 
deliberate aim at Mr. Ives, who, unaware of his danger, was taking aim 
at the deer. Mr. Gaylord instantly leveled his rifle, and, being a quick 
shot, dropped the Indian before he had time to fire. Mr. Ives, in astonish- 
ment, asked why he had shot the Indian, and was told that it was done 
to save his life. They decided to dispose of the Indian's body by stamp- 
ing it into the soft mud of the swamp near bj-, and kept the matter a 
profound secret for many years, for fear that it would become known 
to the tribe, and 'that revenge would be taken for the death of their 
kinsman; the very simple code of the red men requiring blood for blood, 
an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a> tooth. The reason for the attempt 
upon the white man's life was supposed to be because he was trespassing 
upon the private hunting-ground of the red man, which his sense of 
justice caused him to resent. The same sense of justice, when an Indian 
found a carcass of deer or other game, hung up out of reach of prowling 
wolves, until the hunter could return with assistance to take it away, 
prevented him from molesting it, and also filled him with wrath when 




-^^\,;;5ff-f^?# 




INU1.\N ROCK OR ROCK HOUSE. 



12 



B R I S T ( ) L , C ( ) X N I-: C T I C U T 




RUIXS OF CAPT. JESSE G A V L'JR 1)" S HOUSE IN' l.H), 



this confidence \viis broken by the unscrupulous white liunter, and no 
doubt kept alive a bitter animosity against the white invaders. The 
Indian was known to the Whites as Morgan, and the swamp where he 
was buried, as Morgan's Swamp, to this day. It wotxld be interesiing 
to know W'hat became of the deer. 

There are other versions of this story. One given by Deacon 
Charles G. Ives, at the celebration of the "^fiftieth anniversary of his 
deac'onship, in 18o(t, has it that the shooting was done by his ancestor 
to save Capt. Gaylord; that they discovered the Indian trying to get a 
shot at them, that they separated with the understanding that if the 
Indian pursued either the other was to shoot him down. But this ac- 
count does not agree with the one handed down in the Gaylord famdy. 
which is substantially as related It was told to the father of the writer 
by Capt. Jesse Gaylord, grandson of the hero of the story, who also 
stated that the Indian's rifle, powder horn and bullet pouch were pre- 
served many vears in the family; but other traditions, including that of 
Deaccm Ives, 'assert that the rifle and other accoutrements of the red 
man were buried with him. It may have been this adventure which 
determined Capt. Gaylord's choice of location for a residence, for he 
afterward purchased land and built upon it, in the immediate vicinity, 
his first house being a few rods south of the big bowlder, known as Indian 
Rock, or Rock House, from the fact that it was the temporarv home of 
Morgan, who occupied the grotto underneath it when hunting in the 
vicinity. He afterward built a quarter of a mile soutlr. the large, red 
farmhouse being occupied by his descendants imtil 18/0, when Jesse, 
his great grandson, moved to Bristol village. The old house was torn 
down a few years afterward, and only the ]>icturesfiue cellar and chimney 
stack remain. 

Aside from occasional infractions, such as the foregoing incident, 
there always existed friendly relations between the white population 
and the Tunxis tribe, of Farmington. It has been stated that a man 
named Scott, was murdered in a brutal manner at what is now known 
as Scott's Swamp, in tlic western ])art of p;>.rmington, by Tunxis In- 



OR '"NEW CAMBRIDGE." 13 

dians. But Julius Oay, who has made the history of the Tunxis tribe 
a subject of nuicli research, says that there is not a particle of evidence 
that Scott was murdered by the Tunxis. He ascribes the deed to a 
prowHng band of some outlying tribe, who skulked around for the pur- 
pose of carrying off any stray white people they might encounter, hold- 
ing them, bandit like, for ransom. He says that Scott was captured 
while at work in a field, and because he made an outcry, which the 
captors feared would bring assistance, his tongue was cut out, and he 
was afterward brutally murdered. This was about the year 1657. 
The traditional massacre of the Hart family, near the present Avon 
town line, Mr. Gay regards as mythical. The house was burned, acci- 
dentally, at midnight, and all but one of the family perished in the 
tfames. The Indians had nothing whatever to do with it. There was a 
murder of some person by the Indian, Mesapano, which may have been 
the Scott incident, and which is mentioned in the records of April, 1657, 
of the General Assembly, as "a most horrid murder by some Indians at 
Farmington." But the Tunxis were not mentioned as the guilty parties, 
for messengers were sent to the Xorwootuck and Pocumtuck Indians, 
of Hadley and Deertield, demanding the stirrender of Mesapano, to be 
tried and punished for the crime. The Tvinxis Avere peaceable, treaty- 
keeping and tractable Indians, many of the young attending school, and 
their parents attending church, with their white neighbors. There is 
reason to believe that they were never very redoubtable warriors, as 
their own version of a battle between themselves and an invading armed 
force of Stockbridge Indians, at Indian Neck, near the bend of the river, 
admits their defeat and retreat to their village on Round Hill, where 
they were saved from extinction or capture by the bravery of the squaws, 
who armed themselves and so ably defended' their homes and supported 
their brothers in arms, that the intruders were driven off with great 
loss. This was but a short time before the settlement of the Whites at 
Farmington. No doubt the proximity of the more invincible whites, was 
a strong inducement to them to permit white occupation of the beauti- 
ful valley of the Tunxis; and for inany years thereafter, when there 
was a threatened attack by the Mohawks, whom all the Connecticut 
Indians feared, the Tunxis tribe, men, women and children, would rush 
pell mell across the river and place themselves under the protection of 
their white allies. 

There are but few purely Indian names which now cling to the 
haunts of the red men in this vicinity. Chippen's Hill is a contraction 
of Cochipianes, which the old records give as the name of the red hunter 
who made that part of the town his hunting preserve. In my boyhood 
it was invariably pronoimced Chippeny, which was mvich nearer the 
original. Another Indian, called Fall, gave his name to the mountain of 
that name. Morgan, Avhose tragic end has already been related, has 
his name preserved by the swamp in which he was buried. Zach was 
the name of the Indian who made what we now call Mine Moimtain, 
but which the early settlers called Zach's Mountain, his hunting place, 
Bohemia and Poland are names applied to two Indians who held re- 
served lands, including Poland Brook and the Bohemia Banks, in Forest- 
ville. Poland Brook flows through what is known as Todd's lot, and 
the Bohemia Banks arc the bluffs extending from Poland Brook to the 
Plainville town line. Poland lived in a tepee on the banks of the brook; 
and Bohemia lived on the fiat south of the Sessions Clock factory, or 
in that vicinit}'. Compound, who gave his name to Compound's Pond, 
now known as Com]unmce, was the most important, historically, of 
the Bristol Indians whose names have been handed down to us. His. 
history is full\' set fortli in anntlier ]>]ai.-c. Presumably llie liuropean. 
names given to some of tlie Indians by the Whites, wi-re so given be- 
cause the real names were imknown or unpronounceable; and, for ])ur- 
poses of identification, one name was as good as another. 

One interesting incident mav l>e worth relating in c-onnection with 
the Indian, Zach. When Ca]it. .Vewton Manross was a lad in his teens, 
he was fishing one dax" in thi- l)rools- that flows into the mine ])ond west 



14 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




BALANGED BOULDER, NEAR WITCH ROCK. 



•of Zach's Mountain, where he took lefuge under a shelving rock to escape 
a shower. Being of an int^uiring turn of mind he noticed what appeared 
to be a white stone in the earth floor of the cavern, which proved to be 
a skull. He returned the next day with a spade and unearthed an 
entire skeleton of an Indian, a full-grown male. The bones were taken 
by him to his father's clock shop in Forestville, where the skull was 
long used as a recepticle for small parts of clock movements. When 
the factory was burned the bones shared the general cremation. The 
skeleton was undoubtedly that of the old hunter, Avho may have been 
murdered and concealed by his enemies, or he may have died a natural 
death, and was buried b>' his friends. How many tragedies, unwritten 
and unknown, may have taken place on these hills in the far-off cen- 
turies, when the red men hunted each other with the ferocity of pan- 
thers, and the cunning of foxes ! 

M}^ grandmother, who was born in 17<So, remembered the Indians 
distinctly. They were in the habit of calling at the farmhouses for 
cidfr, on their way from Farmington to Waterbury, and vice ve^sa. 
B .It one Indian would call at the house, the others, when there were 
several in the party, invariably sitting on the ground by the roadside 
until their companion returned with the coveted beverage. She lived 
in the old house now occupied by the Tymerson family, then the home 
of Elijah Gaylord, which stands on the summit of Fall Mountain. A 
locality about a mile to the westward has been known as Indian Heaven, 
since the first settlement of that neighborhood by the Whites. It is 
not known how the name originated, but presumably because of the 
abundance of game in that vicinity. A region where game was abundant 
would naturally excite the admiration of tlie red huntsmen, whose 
highest ideal of heaven was expressed by the words, "Happy Hunting 
Ground." 

The name Pequabuck. which is applied to the streani flowing through 
liristol, is of Indian origin, taking its name from the Pequabuck Meadows, 
mentioned in the earlv records of Farmington. which lav- near the beau- 



XEW CAMBRIDGE. 



15 



tiful spot where the Peijuabuek joins the Tunxis. Its name, according 
to Trunibuh, would indicate that it flowed out of a clear pond, being 
a variant of Nepaug, which means the same thing, having reference to 
Sheherd's Pond, in New Hartford. But there was no such pond from 
which it could flow, until artificial ponds were constructed by the white 
people. About the ^-ear 1863, an educated Indian physician, of the 
Chippeway tribe. Dr. Monwadus, pitched a tent in winter north of the 
house of Sir. Wetmore, on Park street. That was before the street was 
opened or a house built there. The doctor was \-ery skillful, and treated 
many cases during the few^ weeks that he remained in town. He Avas 
familiar with the Indian tongue, not only of his own tribe, but with 
other dialects, and asserted that the name, Pequabuck, meant stony 
river; but that it should be spelled, Pequabock. That interpretation 
certainly applies to this part of the stream w'ith greater propriety than 
the one faA'ored by Trumbull; but at Farmington, where the stream 
was best known to the Indians, who probably applied the name to the 
meadows at its confluence with the Tunxis, and not to the river itself, 
stony would be as inappropriate as clear pond. Therefore, as yet, 
the name is not satisfactorily accounted for. 

Bristol has the distinction of being the place where the rude pottery 
of the aborigines w\as manufactured from the cotton-stone, or foliated 
talc, which is found upon the eastern slope of Federal Hill, where Joel T. 
Case built a machine shop. As late as 1876 fragments of this pottery 
were common about the fields of the vicinity, laid up into stone fences, 
or doing duty as corner stones for the zig-zag rail fences of the locality. 
This stone, a variety of soap-stone, being easily worked, was hollow'ed 
out by chipping with hard, sharp-edged stones, into round and oval 
dishes, and kettles of various capacity, ranging from a pint to several 
gallons. Other Indians beside the Tunxis may have come here to re- 
plenish their supply of crockery and cooking utensils, camping, perhaps, 
for weeks while they were patiently chipping away at the soft stone. 
The same formation crops out in other places on the same range of hills; 
one near the Liberty Bell shop, where there was once a saw mill for saw- 
ing the cotton-stone into jambs for fireplaces; another at Edgewood, 
near the Bartholomew factory. Btit this Federal Hill quarry seems to 
have been the only one known to the Indians. When the machine-shop 
was built, and the debris was cleared away from the ledge where the 
cotton-stone was quarried, a large bowd or kettle w^as found, partially 
completed, but undetached from the rock. It may easily be imagined 
that as the Tunxis potters were busily at work, there was a svidden 
descent of the dreaded ]\Iohawks, and a precipitate "retreat. 




16 



BRISTOL, coxxKc ricur 



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FACSIMll.K PACK 

Old 'I'dwii Record Book of Farmintjton, (."onn.. sliowint; siijnature 
of Jf^n a (."ompaus (C'oni^iound ami (.'onijia-^ '"8(11^1" to tlio Indian 
asireement of Ma\' \"e I'l', lliT-'!. 



OR XKW lAMHRIDC. 1-; 



•■^.x^- 

•.^^^• 


'' Compound 
A TUNXIS CHIEFTAN 





Bv Mi^ 



Alicp: Xoi^To: 



ABOUT the middle of the 17th century, a tribe of Tunxis Indians 
and their chief, Compound, occupied the land adjacent to 
the lake now known as Compoimce, in what was then a part 
of Farmington, now Southington. 

The old deeds preserved in Farmington and Waterbury furnish the 
evidence in regard to this chief. His name is variously given as Compas, 
Compaus, Compowne, (/ompoune, Compound and appears \\ith those of 
other Indians who gave to the white settlers titles' to the Farmington 
and Waterbury lands. 

There are three original deeds containing his autographic mark. 
The first of these, among the Farmington records, is dated May ye 22. 
1673, and is of extreme interest. 

It confirms to the men at Farmington, 33 years after its first settle- 
ment, previous grants of land made to them by the Indians. On the 
deed is traced a crude maj) of the land in question, beneath which are 
the names and marks of twenty-six Indians, written in two columns, 
each column beginning respectively with the names and marks of "Xesa- 
heg" (Xeasaheagun, sachem of Poquonnock, in Windsor', and of Jon a 
Compaus (Conipound). 

Here is revealed the interesting fact that "Compas squa" (squaw) 
was present and by her mark u])on this deed, bequeathed to us with her 
own hand the only record we have of her existence. Her mark and 
that of "Compavis" are, queerly enough, transposed, thus revealing their 
simple ignorance of the King's English. 

By the deed of August 26, 1674, the Tunxis Indians conveyed a 
large tract of land in Mattatuck (Waterbury) — to the whole of which 
territory they laid claim — to the first white settlers of that town. This 
deed is signed by the "vmiversal Nesaheagun," John a Compowne and 
twelve other Indians. 

In 1890 a happy chance brought to light among the ancient recf)rds 
stored awav in one of the oldest houses in Waterljurv, the original deed 
of December 2, 1684, by which another tract of Mattatuck Ian d was 
transferred to the English settlers, and the grant of 1674 was confirmed, 
"with all and singular rode timber rocks quorys broocks rivers .swamps 
medows" the same to be discharged from all "former bargins sales, titles 
morgages, leases fins fes ioyntcrs dowrys suts or encumbrans whatso- 
ever." 

In this deed 1684 the name Conqiound stands first in the list of 
signatures. 

Could romance itself conjure up a group of names more ])icturesque 
than these of the original owners and proprietors of Mattatuck: John a 
Compound, Hacketousukc, Atumtoco's mother Jemse daftcr (daughter) 



^Ext-^act from "Compounce." Published by iS'iss Alice J. Norton, 1902. 



18 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 









■U^^uCi 












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iv(/.^-^s^ /HA»«A-«>' f<>-W:A»A«- ^.rv.v»o«. <r.^^c 






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fcafflgiaw 



FACSIMILE OF A SECTION OF THE DEED OF DEC. 

With Autographic Mark of Compound. 



1684. 



by Cockoeson's sister, Abucket, Spinning Squaw, Mantow, Cocoeson's 
sister's Patiicko's squaw, Warun-Coinpoun Nesaheg's son, Atumtockco, 
Cockeweson's sister's dafter, all of whom "parsonally aperd" (before 
John Wadsworth * * * ist) "and acknoleged this Instrument to be their 
free and volentery act." 

One looks upon this ancient document, resetted from the oblivion 
of over two centuries, Avith a sentiment of profound veneration, and 
pictures to himself the group of swarthy faces as, to the names written, 
the Indians added with their own clumsy fingers, each, his or her in- 
dividual "marck" or totem. This deed is valuable not onl}' for its In- 
dian signatures, but for the autographs of men famous in the early history 
of Connecticut; Thomas Judd and John Standly, Benjamin Judd and 
John Wadsworth, Timothy Standly and John Hopkins, "freemen of 
farmentowne" and most of them among its eighty four proprietors. 

A wide field of speculation regarding the chief. Compound, opens 
before us as we contemplate these records. 

Xesaheagun was the Sachem who with others signed away to the 
white settlers much of the territorj' of Farmington and Waterbury, and 
thousands of acres in Simsbury, AVindsor, Wethersfield and Middletown. 
Warun-Compound is described as Xesaheagun's son, but it is John a 
Compound whose name stands second to that of Nesaheagun in the 
deeds of 1673 and 1674 and first in the deed o'f 1684. 

Quoting from Orcutt's history of Derby,— "This fact suggests that 
John a Compound, whose name stands next to Xesaheagun's may have 
been an elder son of the same chief." 

According to another authority (Rev. Joseph Anderson — -History 
of Waterbury), he may have been a nephew or brother, and as such 
succeeded Xesaheagun in the sachemship, as among some tribes the 
succession of chiefs was through a brother or nephew instead of a son. 

However, that may be he was a "native prince" and identified with 
the Indians who from time to time occupied the territory of Mattatuck. 

"The name Compound," says one historian (Mr. Anderson) "al- 
though not of English origin, has been forced into a strange resemblance 
to English. There is reason to suspect it as an Indian name in disguise, 
or possibly that the Indian proprietor who here comes before us, may 



'XKW CAM BRIDGE. 



19 



"have been named from the 'other side falls." wherever these may have 
"been. At all events, aeompwn-tuk would mean the 'falls or water on 
the other side.' " It is therefore not improbable that his name was a 
place-name, and derived from his connection with the water or lake 
"on the other side" of the mountain.* 

For the tragic story of the chieftain's fate we are indebted to tradi- 
tion, which tells us that his home was the cave near the shore, and that 
while crossing the lake in an iron kettle he was drowned, finding his 
grave beneath its waters. Various additions have been made in recent 
vears to this brief but graphic tale, but all such are utterly without 
foundation, and detract from the simple pathos of the traditional story. 

A singular coincidence in connection with the legend, is that Coni- 
p' und's mark, as seen in some of his signatures, resembles the outline 
of a kettle, which suggests the pleasing fancy that this may have been 
his device or emblem. 

As to his personality, we may have seen that he had influence and 
standing among the native tribes, and there is nothing in history or 
tradition to prove that he was other than a noble specimen of his race 
su::h an one as the imagination loves to associate with the "beamtiful 
glacial lake that he owned." 

One sees how naturally the term "Compound's" became in time 
Compounce and the early records give us the musical "Compounce Pond 
Water" transformed now* into Lake Compounce. 

The torture of the white man by the Indians (not of the Compounce 
tribe) has been a tradition of this rieighborhood from the earliest times' 

An old Indian trail, later the first traveled road between Farming- 
ton and Waterbury, passed through the borders of the neighborhood. 
Here have been fovmd traces of an Indian encampment and burying 
ground, and the frequent finding of arrow-heads, pottery and rude 







'BIRCIIKS .\T L.\KE Ci 



*"The oldest families north of Compound Lake had the traditions certainly 100 years 
ago (177.5) that the Indians that visiiedjhei'e came from over the mountain west." — 
Timlou;'s Hi^torv oj SoHihington. 



20 



BiilSTOl., CO\"Xi:c" TK'L'T 



stone implements in the past, testifies that here in this little valley were 
their hunting and camping grounds, and here were buried their dead. 

An authentic story has traveled down the years, of the recollection 
of a family of Indians, that, about the year 1760, lived in a wigwam 
in the woods east of the lake. They tarried only a summer and then 
disappeared. 

Thus vanished from the land the last remnant of this ancient race, 
leaving only the memory and the magic of a name. 

Before the coming of the white man, who diverted the streams to 
other channels. Lake ConipounCe was one of the sources of the Ouin- 
nipiac river. Cuss Gutter brook ran into it through the valley above, 
and a small stream below connected it with Cold brook, a tributary of 
the Quinnipiac. White and gold fish, now extinct, lived in its waters, 
and wild ducks and geese, the loon and other water birds found here 
the solitude they loved. 

On the distribution of the Southington division in 1722, the lake and 
adjacent land became the property of Samuel Steel and Thomas Orton. 
both men of promixience among the proprietors of Farmington. 

The propertv appears to have frequently changed owners until 
December 7, 1787, when it was purchased from the estate of Daniel 
Clark, of Wallingford, by Ebenezer Norton (grandfather of the late 
Gad Norton), whose adjoining property had descended to him throUj^i 
several generations, from his ancestor John Norton, also one of the 
Farmington proprietors. 

The lake propertv is referred to in the earlier deeds as "a parcell 
in that division of land lying between Panthorn and Watterbury, bounds 
not yet surveyed and layd out;" and in the deed of 17S7 as "one certain 
Piece or Parcel of land situate in Southington at a Place called Com- 
pound's Pond." 

The oldest inhabitant remembers Lake Compounce as a lonely 
place, scarcely known beyond the limits of the town, frequented onl\- 
b}- an occasional hunter or fisherman, and the neighboring children who 
went there to padddle about in the old dug-out, hewn 'from a chestnut 
log, wliich had replaced the birch-bark canoe of the Indians. 




XKW rAMHRIDr, I-; 



21 



IJHISTOL 


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This Chart was pre])ared by the late Roswell Atkins with great, 
care and shows the oriiiinal di\"isi'jn (jf tlie land in Brist(.>l, 



r22 BRISTOL, COXN'ECTICUT 



BRISTOL IN 1721 



Mr. Atkins made the following statement in connection with the 
■chart which he prepared: 

"On account of the mutilated condition of the original records, 
I have been obliged, in preparing the accompanying chart, to depend, 
to a great extent, upon such memoranda as I could find among the 
papers of county surveyors, and deeds of transfer of lots and parts there- 
of, covering a period of seventy-five years immediatelj' following the 
layout. 

"For the highways running north and south I have had to depend, 
to ascertain the width, entirely upon the descriptions to be found in 
recorded deeds. 

"No two perambulations agree as to the position of the boundary 
line on the north. I have, therefore, placed this boundary at five miles 
and fifty-three rods from the boundary line on the south, and indicated 
the line on the map by a dotted line. 

"The reservation for the Indians, Bohemia and Poland, is indicated 
by two sets of dotted lines in the first tier of lots. No. 17. The southern 
parallel line and the broken western line are fixed by means of a survey 
recorded in 1723, and include a tract of one hundred fifty-two and one- 
half acres. This record, however, is not sufficiently full to determine 
positively the exact location. The parallel lines are fixed by means of 
memoranda of Tracy Peck, County Surveyor made in 1808 from a copy 
in the hands of Noah Byington, County Surveyor. 

"There are undoubtedly some errors in the chart, but, in the main, 
I think it is correct." 

The following table shows first, the number of lot numbered from 
Simsburj' line; second in parenthesis, the width of lot from north to sxith 
in rods and feet, e. g. by 84.04 is meant, 84 rods, 4 feet; and third, the 
name of owner: 

First or Eastern Tier of Lots. 

No. II (127.08;. Daniel Porter, Mr. Newton, James Bird, Widow 
Orvis. 

No. 12 (132.15). John Clark, John Woodruff, John Smith, Mathew 
Woodruff. 

No. 13 (186.12). Thomas Gridley, John Langton, Samuel Gridley, 
John Root, Sen. 

No. 14 (172.06). Richard Brownson, Thomas Barnes, Moses Ven- 
trus, John Brownson, Jr. 

No. 15 (289.10). John Norton, Thomas Orton, Captain Lewis, 
Isaac Moore. 

No. 16 (112.06). John Thompson, John Steel, Jobanah Smith, 
Widow Smith. 

No. 17 (97.10). Zachariah Seymour, Samuel Steel, Sen., Abraham 
Andrus, Thomas Richardson. (30.02). Indian Reservation. 

No. 18 (145.04). Robert Porter, John Porter, Samuel Cowles, 
J(>hn Cole. 

No. 19 (176.09). Obadiah Richards, John Scovil, Joseph Hecox, 
Mr. Ha5mes. 

No. 20 (54.00i). Samuel Steel, Jr., Benoni Steel, David Carpenter, 
John Carrington. 

j- "^ No. 21 (105.09). Thomas Thompson, Richard Seamour, Samuel 
North, Thomas Hancoix. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 23 

Second Tier of Lots. 

No. 43 (63.13), John Langton; No. 44 (29.11). li)hn Steel; Xo. 45 
(26.15^), James Bird; No. 46 (17.13A), Jonathan Smith; No. 47 (32.06), 
Thomas Bull; No. 48 (69.04i), Thomas Orton; No. 49 (2812^), Thomas 
Hancox; No. 50 (9.10), Benoni Steel; No. 51 (25.09), Samuel North; 
No. 52 (29.14i), Isaac Brownson; No. 53 (71.09), John Norton; No. 54 
(Q.lOi), Samuel Steel, Jr.; No. 55 (54.11), Thomas Barnes; No. 56 (53.124), 
Danie'l Porter; No. 57 (63.13), William Judd; No. 58 (33.05), Mcses 
Ventrus; No. 59 (15.01), John Porter; No. 60 (42.06), John Andius; 
No. 61 (27.06), Thomas Thompson; No. 62 (45.01), Thomas Judd; No. 
63 (22.13i), John Brownson, Jr.; No. 64 (33.05), Thomas Porter, Jr. 

No. 65 (38.04), Joseph Woodford; No. 66 (18. lU), Obadiah Rich- 
ards: No. 67 (31.00A), Widow Smith; No. 68 (25.09), John North, Jr.; 
No. 69 (75.11), John Root; No. 70 (57. 14^), Isaac Moore; No. 71 (23.0CU-), 
Abraham Brownson; No. 72 (44.03), John Lee; No. 73 (41.00), Mathew 
Woodruff; No. 74 (33.12*), John Clark; No. 75 (33.11), Thomas Judd, 
Jr.; No. 76 (20. OU), John Carrington; No. 77 (16.14i), Joseph Hecox; 
No. 78 (72.00), Mr. Howkins; No. 79 (48.05), Stephen Hart. Jr.; No. SO 
(30.09i), John Stanley, Jr.; No. 81 (14.10), David Carpenter; No. 82 
(44.03), John Warner; No. 83 (85.04), Captain Lewis; No. 84 (15.01),- 
PhilHp Judd. 

Third Tier of Lots. 

No. 43 (131.15), Mr. Hooker; No. 44 (20,05), John Carrington; 
No. 45 (24.07), Thomas Gridlev; No. 46 (44.13). John Lee; No. 47 (21.04), 
Zachariah Seymour; No. 48 (41.09), Mathew Woodruff; No. 49 (33.12), 
John Thompson; No. 50 (48.15*), Stephen Hart, Jr.; No. 51 (54.074), 
Daniel Porter; No. 52 (28.02*), Widow Orvis; No. 53 (60.15), Stephen 
Hart, Sen.; No. 54 (72.15), Mr. Howkins; No. 55 (30.04), Isaac Brown- 
son; No. 56 (12.00), John Root, Jr.; No. 57 (48.00), Capt. Thomas Hart: 
No. 58 (30.04), Jacob Brownson; No. 59 (18. 15^), Obadiah Richards. 

No. 60 (72.08), John North, Sen.; No. 61 (23.01^), John Brownson; 
No. 62 (59.014), Richard Brownson; No. 63 (25.14). Samuel North; 
No. 64 (33.12)" Capt. John Hart; No. 65 (15.04), Phillip Judd; No. 66 
(46.10), John Brownson, Sen.; No. 67 (9.11^), Benoni Steel; No. 68 
(23.01i), John Welton; No. 69 (32.13). Thomas Bull, No. 70 (44.134), 
John Warner; No. 71 (17.01), Mr. Newton; No. 72 (16.024), Abraham 
Andrus; No. 73 (17.01), Joseph Hecox; No. 74 (84.08), Mr. Wadsworth; 
No. 75 (64.104), John Langton; No. 76 (43. 06^), Samuel Cowles; No. 
77 (21.114), Da'niei Warner; No. 78 (38.05), John Woodfuff; No. 79 (37.03) 
Thomas Judd, Sen.; No. 80 (76.10). John Root. Sen.; No. 81 (23.014), 
Thomas Porter, jr.; No. 82 (31.14). John Judd; No. 83 (33.05), Abraham 
Brownson; No. 84 (44.09), Samuel Steel, Jr.; 

Fourth Tier of Lots. 

No. 43 (30.00), John Steel; No. 44 (18.06), John Scovel ; No. 45 
(28.02), Widow Orvis; No. 46 (31.11), Thomas Porter. Sen.; N^. 47 
(58.10). Isaac Moore; No. 48 (23.01), John Brownson; No. 49 (46.10), 
John Brownson, Jr.; No. 50 (20.05), Daniel Andrus; No. 51 (9.10), 
Benoni Steel; No. 52 (60.11), John Stanley; No. 53 (55.06), Thomas 
Barnes; No. 54 (21.04), Zachariah Sevmour; No. 55 (60.15), Stephen 
Hart, Sen.; No. 56 (64.10), William Judd; No. 57 (38.12), Joseph Wood- 
ford; No. 58 (23.01), Samuel Hecox; No. 59 (77.09), Mr. Wyllis; No. 60 
(18.15), William Higason; No. 61 (45.11), Thomas Judd, Jr.; No. 62 
(31.06), Mr. Wrotham; No. 63 (33.12), John Thompson. 

No. 64 (16.02), Abraham Andrus; No. 65 (121.08), Mr. Hayncs; 
No. 66 (12.00), John Root, ]t.; No. 67 (24.07), Thomas Gridlev; No. 68. 
(44.09), Samuel Steel, Sen.;" No. 69 (44.13V T-hn Lee: No. 70 (84.08), 



24 



DRI.STOI., COXXECTICLT 



Mr. WadsAvorth; Xo. 71 (25.14), Sanuiel North; Xo. 72 (2U.()1), Thomas 
Hancox; Xo. 7o (15.04), John Porter; Xo. 74 (2().l).3j, John Carrington; 
No. 75 (76.10), John Root, Sen.; No. 76 (72.15), Mr. Hawkins; No. 77 
(23.01), John Welton; No. 78 (30.15), John Stanley; No. 79 (46.15), 
John Andrus; No. 80 (32.13), Thomas Bull; No. 81 (17.01), Mr. Newton; 
No. 82 (38.05), John Woodruff; No. 83 (14.12), David Caipenter; No. 84 
(9.11), Sa-nuel vSteel, Jr. 

Fifth or Western Tier of Lots. 

No. 42 (15.04), Phillip Judd; No. 43 (33.11). Thomas Porter, Sen. 
No. 44 (28.02), Widow Orvis; No. 45 (33.11), Moses Ventrus; No. 46 
(17.01), Joseph Hecox; No. 47 (18.05), Obadiah Richards; No. 48 (23.01), 
Samuel Hecox; No. 49 (121.06), Mr. Havnes; No. 50 (29.01), Benjamin 
Judd; No. 51 (23.05), Abraham Brownson; No. 52 (51.11). Robert 
Porter; No. 53 (46.10), John Brownson, Sen.; No. 54 (60.11), John 
Standlev; No. 55 (16.10), Jobanah Smith; No. 56 (18.16), William 
Higason; No. 57 (31.06), Mr. Wrotham; No. 58 (9.11), Samuel Steel, Jr.; 
No. 59 (25.14), John North, Jr.; No. 60 (48.00), Thomas Hart; No. 61 
(9.11), Benoni Steel; No. 62 (14.12), David Carpenter; No. 63 (77.10), 
Thomas Newell. 

No. 64 (48.15), Stephen Hart, Jr.; No. Go (38.05), John Woodruff. 
No. 66 (17.01), Mr. Newton; No. 67 (58.10), Isaac Moore; No. 68 (76.10): 
John Root, Sen.; No. 69 (21.11). Daniel Warner; No. 70 (20.05). Daniel 
Andrus; No. 71 (30.04), Isaac Brownson; No. 72 (22.10), Richard Sev- 
mour; No. 73 (60.15), Stephen Hart, Sen.; No. 74 (31.06); Widow Smith; 
No. 75 (23.01), John Brownson; No. 76 (31.06), John Warner, Jr.; No. 
77 (72.08). John Newton; No. 78 (23.01), Thomas Porter, Jr.; No. 79 
(39.11). Edmond Scott; No. 80 (41.09), Mathew Woodruff; No. 81 (30.15). 
John St.-ndl(-v. Jr.; N-\ 82 (45.11). Thrmns Judd, jr.; No. 83 (72.15), 
":\Ir. Mcwkirs; X.v S4 (3i),()(i), T' h:-/Sio<'1. 




NKW CAMBRIDGE. 



25- 



m 


BRISTOL 

.•i.v^/)7)Av;.s-.v, 

r'r,f>a,,d by Roauu'II Atkiiis and /-pap/nodiu.' Pr.k. 


V-«A^ 



Dclhcwd at tin- Ct'iitciuiial L\'U'bralii>n of ihc iucorporatiou of tlie 
Tozvii of Bristol, Coiiiu\-ficnt, June 17, iSSf,, by Epuphroditns Peck. 

HISTORY i> hut fragnient.iry at best. We say, "Ijristol is a 
hundred years old ta-(hi_\-," but these hills and valleys are many 
centuries i_dd. Men and women liad their homes, and insti- 
tutions, and rude manufactiu'es here, for how man\- centuries 
we can hardly guess: bu.t thei)- savage lives left no record, 
except the rude weap^ms or fiols which they casually dropped, and 
which we casually tin 1. 

The Indian tribj of this neighborhood was the Tunxis. l-]ut their 
sparse population, and their indolent natures, prevented any attempt to 
subdue these rugged forest-covered hills. Along the river at Farming- 
ton, where the soil was level and mellow, they had their principal village; 
in the open fields, which are now Plainville, they had another settlement ; 
but these woods — the "Great l'"orest" tliey called it — were more valuable 
to them as a hunting-ground, .stocked with all manner of game and 
fish, than thev could have been as a village site. The ledge of Cotton- 




7 he I'ieice Home^lta I. built bv Kbenezei Barnes, llie rriiti al tliiid in ijzS. the north 

and south 7vinj^s lati r upon the mm ria,^e of a son and daughter. Bought bv the 

Pierce lamily in !■/()'■ in :c/.ose hands it stiil leniains. and is at present the 

) esidence of Mrs. /nlius /•.". Piene. A remarkable fact that, although 

neailv /;io hi.ndi rd \e.irs ol I. it lias only been o-oied by two fatnilies. 



26 



BRISTOL, CONMECTIJUT 




A'e'sideiice of L. O. Norton. 



Stone, running along the crest of this hill, they discovered, and put to 
practical use ; and the vessels, finished and unfinished, together with the 
still evident traces of work on the ledge itself, show that a quarry of 
considerable importance was located there. Vessels from this quarry 
are said to be found in many parts of the state. 

Without doubt, the Indians who came here to work this quarry, 
or to hunt in the "Great Forest," built wigwams for their temporarj^ 
use ; and there were certainly a few isolated Indians who lived here 
permanently. 

The name of Cochipiancc, who lived on the hill to the northwest, has 
come down to us in the name of Chippin's Hill ; Morgan Swamp, on 
Fall Mountain, preserves the name of another Indian, who died, and is. 
said to have lived there ; the claims of Bohemia and Poland to their 
land in the Stafford district were respected by the whites in the laxout 
of 1721; there was probably an Indian wigwam near the James Lee 
house, and a group of them near the Compounce cemetery. But the 
tribal center was at Farmington, and there was nothing within our 
limits which could be called even a village. 

The same causes which determined the choice of the Indians, oper- 
ated also upon the early white settlers of New England, and tracts of 
arable land, lying near water-courses, were everywhere fn-st chosen for 
settlement. So when the Massachusetts settlers began to think of 
colonizing the wilderness around them, and heard from the friendly In- 
dians of the fertile and open valley of the Connecticut, Wethersficld, 
Windsor, and Hartford, on the riverbank, became the first village sites. 
So again in 1639, when the river towns had sent out a committee to 
explore the surrounding country for the most inviting spot for settle- 
ment, they selected, as the Indians had done, the fields along the Farm- 
ington River, and began there the settlement of our mother town in 
the next year. 

Thirtv-seven of the Hartford settlers received a charter from the 



OR "XEW CAMBRIDGE." 27' 

General Assembly, and also bought from the Tunxis Indians the right 
to settle on the land included therein. Among these proprietors we 
iind the familiar names of ,Hart. Lewis, Barnes, Brownson, and Wil- 
cox. In 1672 the Assembly fixed the length of Farmington at fifteen 
miles, and its width at eleven miles, extending west from the Hartford 
line. The western boundary thus fixed is now the western line of Bristol. 

As the Farmington settlers in turn began to push beyond their 
original location, the level land along the Pequabuck attracted their 
attention, and in 1663 the town granted to John Wadsworth, Richard 
Brumpson, Thomas Barnes, and Moses Ventruss, a tract described as 
"fiforty acors of meddow Land Lying att the place we comonly Call 
Poland." Twenty acres more were granted to John Langton and. George 
Orvis in 1664. This Thomas Barnes was an ancestor of our townsfolk 
of that name, and the sixty acres then granted lay on both sides of the 
west branch of the Pequabuck River, extending nearly as far west as to 
the rolling-mill. These two grants seem to have exhavisted the arable 
land in this direction, and no settlement was made upon them. 

In 1672, the Farmington proprietors, then eighty-four in number, 
took formal possession of the territory which had just been assigned 
to them by the General Assembly. They laid out a parallelogram a 
little over eight miles long, and four wide, for the home settlement, and 
called it "the reserved land." The remaining land they divided among 
themselves in proportion to their assessment lists, giving to Mr. Hooker, 
the minister, a double portion. The actual survey of the western land 
was not made until 1721. Six tiers of lots were laid out, each three 
hundred and five rods wide, and about eleven miles long, with reserva- 
tions between for twenty, thirty, and forty rod highways; so that each 
"division," with its adjacent highway, was a little over a mile wide. 
The first two of these tiers were each divided into twenty-one lots, and 
each lot assigned to fotir proprietors; the last, or westerlv, four were each 
divided into eighty-fovir lots, and assigned to individual owners; so that 
each Farmington proprietor had a 'lot, or an undivided quarter-lot, in 
each division. The widest of these lots were one hundred and thirty- 
one rods, four feet w^de, and the narrowest nine rods, ten and a half feet; 
each one, of course, being three hundred and five rods long. These 
allotments were made to the men, and in the proportions, which had 
been fixed by the vote of 1672, and. most of them were actually "taken 
by the heirs of the men in whose names they were allotted. Narrower 
highways were reserved, running across the divisions, and a reservation 
of abotit one hundred and ninety acres was made to the Indians, Bohemia 
and Poland. The westerly five of these divisions now constitute the 
towns of Burlington and Bristol.* 

The actual settlement was begun six years later by Daniel Brown- 
son of Farmington. He bought the seventy-first lot in the fifth division 
in November, 1727, and in that year, or early in the next, built a house 
at Goose Corner, so called. This house has long been gone, and Mr. 
Brownson seems to have left the village very soon. 

The second settler, and one in whom we feel more interest, because 
both his house and his family still remain, was Ebenezer Barnes, a descend- 
ant of the Thomas Barnes already mentioned. He built, in 1728, the 
house, which, having since been added to at both ends, is now the central 
part of Julius E. Pierce's residence in East Bristol. In the same year, 
Nehemiah Manross of Lebanon, the ancestor of our present Manrosses, 
built a house north of Ebenezer Barnes, and on the west side of the road. 
Perhaps in this year, Abner Matthew^s built a house on the East Fall 
Mountain road. 

During the next score of years a little group of houses was built 
on the Easl Bristol road, north of the Barnes and Manross houses, another 
hamlet on Chippin's Hill, a still smaller one on Red Stone Hill, and 
isolated houses stood on Fall Mountain, in the present Stafford district, 
and in the centre of the town. , 



* See Chart, Page 21. 



28 BRISTOL, COXXECTICUT 

The only present Bristol families which settled here before 174 J 
are the Barnes, Manross, Gaylord, and Jerome families. Joseph and 
David Gaylord came here between 1740 and 1742, and both became 
prominent citizens; David was one of the first deacons of the Congrega- 
tional church, and Joseph equally proininent in the Episcopal church. 
David Gay lord's house stood about where Henry A. Pond now lives; 
Joseph's, southwest of the Brownson house, on the slope of the moun- 
tain. 

William Jerome bought land in the second division in 1741, and 
his son Zerubbabel moved here. The farm which the family still occupy 
they bought in 174S, from Caleb Palmer, who had already built a house 
on the present site of Horace O. Miller's. 

The distinctive symbol of Xew England Puritanism has been said 
to be a meeting-house fronted by a school-house. Our ancestors A^erv 
early established both these institutions. Prior to 1742, they had felt 
the distance to the Farmington church a heavy burden. In that year 
they sent a petition to the General Assembly praying for permission to 
hire a preacher of their own during the winter months. This petition, 
bearing the signatures of all the residents, is among the legislative archives 
at Hartford.*! It was promptly granted, and the first society meeting 

*1, 

PETITION FOR WINTER PRIVILEGES, OCTOBER, 1742. 

To the Honourbie the Gou' Councell, and Reprefentatiues, of his Majeftys Colony 
of Conedticott In New England, In General Court, to be Aflembled, the 14'*' Day 
of octob'' A.D: 1742 — The Humble memorial of us the fubfcribors Inhabitants In y" 
Town/hip of Farmington In y County of Hartford, &c., Humbly flieweth, that we 
are fettled In A Certain place, within y' Bounds of f"* Townihip, Called by the Name 
of y" 2'^, 3'', 4"', 5"' & 6"" Diuifions of Land In P^ Townftiip Weft from the 
Referued Land, and are fo Remote, from any, meeting Houfe, In any minifterial 
^fociaty In f" Jown, as Renders it exceeding Difficult for us to attend the publicic 
Worfhip of God, In any place where it is fett up, and efpecially, In the winter feafon 
— and allfo that there is fuch a Number of perfons fettled in fl fiue Diuifions of Land 
as that we are Compitently able to hire 'A minefter, to preach y« Gofpel to us In faid 
winter feafon —t Wee Do therefore Humbly pray this Hon'''': Affembly to Grant unto 
us who are or Ihal! be fettled on the (^ fiue Diuifions of Land, Begining att y« fouth 
end of y« faid Diuifions of Land ; and from thence to extend North fiue miles 
Liberty of hireing an Authordox and fuilably Quallifyed perfon to preach y« Gofpel 
amongft us, for y« fpace of fix months In y*" year Annually, viz, Nouemb'' Decemb"" 
Janu' feb" march & april more or Less according? as we Can and Do hire fuch A 
preacher, with y« powers and priueledges by Law belonging to fuch A fociaty— Hoping 
that it will not be Long Before we (hall be able to be A fociaty fully Conftituted — 
and your memorialift as In Duty Bound (hall cuer pray, Sec 

octob' 6"" Day A.D: 1742: — 

. Ebenezer barns, Jofeph gailord, ben'mman brooks, Gid peck, John Brown, ebzer 
gailord, John hicox, Zerubbabel Jearom, Moles Lyman, Joel mitchel, edward gailard, 
John gailard, Stephen Barns, Ger(hum Tuttle, Jofeph benham, Dauid gylord, Nemiah 
manros, Samuel Gaylord, Jofeph Gaylard, Timothy Brown, bi(h (.?) manros. 

[This petition and the following one were evidently drawn up by a pro- 
fessional scrivener. The records which follow, were, of course, wrilten by 
the various clerks of the society. The petitions may be regarded, therc- 
fbre, as representing the literary style of a practiced writer, and the records 
that of an average village clerk of the period.] 



Dl-f NKW CAMBRIDGK. 'J\> 

Avas held November eighth, 17-112. This is an important date, for then 
first, did this tract, which we call Bristol, and the settlers living upon 
it, assume individuality and corporate existence, as "the Southwest 
Avinter society." 

In December it was voted to hire Mr. Thomas Canfield for the coming 
winter. This Reverend Thomas Canfield, a young man of twenty-two. 
our first gospel minister, disappears from our local history at the end 
of this winter. He went to Roxbury the next year, and preached there 
till his death in 17".)o. His epitaph concludes with the following lines: 

"O what is man, x^oor feeble man 
Whose life is but a narrow span. 
Here lies intomb'd in earth and dust 
The Reverend, meek, the mild and just." 

The Congregational church at Roxbur}' have in their possession a 
record in Mr. Canfield's hand-writing, containing the following state- 
ment: "1 having an Invitation to go & Preach at ye ^Mountain, now 
called Cambridge in Farmington. wch I accepting accordingly Preachd 
yre ye next Sabbath it being ye Gth of Deer & from yt time till the latter 
end of Octobr 17-13." 

It is difficult to reconcile this statement as to the length of his ser- 
vice here either with our society records, or with the powers granted 
to the society by the Assembly. 

The Reverend Tchabod Camp probably preached during the next 
winter, though no positive record of that fact exists. 

The poverty of the settlers, and the hardships which thev under- 
went to support preaching, are shown by the levy of a sixteen pence^tax. 
that is, a tax of six and two-thirds per cent., in 1743. to pay the societv 
expenses, Avhich cannot have been more than a very small sum. But 
the people were not daunted, and at the same meeting at Avhich this 
sixteen pence tax was laid they voted to apply to the Assemblv for a 
complete ecclesia.'^tical organization.*!' The tcnvn as.'-'ented. and in 




THE LOT JKkOMK 1>I..\CK 

See page 3U. 



Since destroyed bv fire. 



30 BRISTOL, COXNECTICUT 

1744 the Assembly again changed the "Southwest winter society" into- 
the "New Cambridge society," with power to lay taxes, and support 
preaching and schools. The name "Cambridge" appears from the 
Canfield record to have been already given to this section of the town 
in popular speech, but the reason is unknown. 

This society had hardly begun its record, when the universal contest 
between orthodoxy and liberalism broke out. One party, made up 
principally from the settlers on Chippin's Hill, was more inclined to 
the milder doctrines of the Church of England, while most of the settlers 
in the valley were rigid Calvinists. During the fall of 1 744, Mr. Samuel 
Newell was invited to preach three months, and his vigorous support 
of the Westminster theology caused a speedy outbreak of the latent 
differences. The majority voted to settle Mr. Newell, but seven mem- 
bers were so pronounced in their opoosition that his comjng was deemed 
unwise. Mr. Camp then preached again, and a Mr. Christopher Newton, 
both of whom, I think, were more acceptable to the minority, and both 
of whom afterward became Episcopal clergvmen. After these futile 



PETITION FOR ECCLESIASTICAL INCORPORATION, APRIL, 1744. 

To The Honorable General AfTembley to Be Holden att Hartford on y" Second 
Thurfday of May Next The Memorial of us The Subfcribers Hereunto all Inhabi- 
tants Liveing Within y* Bounds of Farmington & County of Hartford Humbley 
Showeth y' your Honours Mcmoriaiifts Liveth on That Tract of Land in P farmington 
Commonly Called y« fecond, ^^ 4"" 5"" & 6"» Divifions of Land Lying Weft of y" 
Referved Lands fo Called & at about feven or Eight Miles Diftants from y"' Publick 
Worfhip of God in farmington firft fociety to y" Which Wee Belong & Wee Haveing 
Obtained Liberty of y" Honorable Aflembly to Hire an OrthoDox Minifter' among 
Ourfelves fix months in a year for y" Space of two years Which Term of Time is 
£xj>ired & Wee Having Obtained a Voat of y^ faid firft Society in farmington to Be A 
Diftinct Society, By and With, y" Bounds & Limits of five Miles fquare of y'- 
Divifions aforefaid Begining at y'^ Northweft Corner of Southington Parifh Bounds at 
Waterbury Line from Thence North With f Line five miles & from Thence Eaft- 
ward five miles & from Thence Southward five miles & from Thence Weft ward five 
miles to y« firft tnentioned Bounds Which f'^ Tract of Land is Generally good & Wee 
aire pf Opinion is Sufficient for A Diftinct Society & Wee Being fo Remote from y* 
Publick Worftiip of- God y' it is Impracticable to attend y« same With our families 
unlefs it be When Wee Have preaching among ourfelves Wee Therefore Hvimbly 
Pray your Honours to Take our Circumftances into your Paternal care & Wife Con- 
fideration & make ui a Diftinct Eclefiaftical Society With y« Limits aforefaid or In sum 
Other Way Grant Relief unto your Memorialifts & Wee as In Duty Bound (hall Ever 
Pray 

Farmington Aprill y"^ i 2 Ano Pbmini 1744. 

cberiezer Barns, beniamin gaylard, Hez : Rew, Dauid Graues, Abel Roys, John 
Hikcox, Edward gailard, Nehemiah manros, Daniel mix, Ebenezer Barns iuenor,* 
Jofeph Graues Moses Lyman, Caleb Abcrnathy, daniel roe, Caleb Palmer, Dauid 
gaylard, Jofeph Gailard Juner, Jofeph Benham, Stephen Barns, Abner Matthews, 
Jofeph Gaylord, Nehemiah Manrows iuner,* Simon Tuttel, Zetubbabel Jearom, 
Gershum tuttle, John gailard, William Jearom, Zebulon frif be, Benjamin brooks, 
Edward f, ben mix, Daniel mix, Thomas "Hart. Samuel Gaylord. 

* Junior. fThis name is entirely illegible. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 31 

attempts to secure agreement, the majority again voted to hire Mr. 
Newell, and he was settled accordingly in 17-17. 

The opposition had now increased to ten, and they, Caleb and 
Abner Matthews, Stephen and Benjamin Brooks, John Hickox, Caleb 
Abemathy, Abel and Xehemiah Royce, Daniel Roe, and Simon Tuttle, 
"publikly declared themselves of the Church of England, and under the 
bishop of Ion don." The relations of these churchinen, as they were 
called, to the society, became somewhat peculiar. They at once re- 
fused to pay their ecclesiastical taxes, and for some time took no part 
in society affairs. It was finally agreed that they should be entirely 
relieved of the "meeting-house rate," and should pay one-half of the 
"minister rate" so long as they had no rector of their own.*3 After 
this compromise the churchmen began again to share in such society 
bitsiness as did not directly concern the management of the Congrega- 
tion church; after an Episcopal rector was located here, separate assess- 
ment lists were inade, a separate collector appointed, and a due share 
of the tax paid to their rector. The two churches lived in harmony 
until the Revolution, when the political hostility became much more 
fierce than the religious had ever been. 

]\Ir. Xewell was installed in Augvist, 1747, and it was evidently a 
great day for the society. J.oseph Benton, Xehemiah Manross, Joseph 
Gaylord, David Rich, Ebene'^er Barnes, Jr., and as many more as chose, 
w^re instructed by a vote of the society to keep open- a pviblic house 
of entertainment on the day of the ordination. 

The society gave Mr. X^ewell ;^500 "for his settlement," oayable 
within three years, and a permanent salary of ;^300, beside building 
him a house (since known as the Dr. Pardee place). *4 These sums were 
payable, however, in colony bills of credit, which were worth 
only about one-sixth of their face value. The influence exerted upon 
the village by this clergyman can hardly be over-estimated. He was 
a strong-minded, strong-spoken man; holding to the rigid old doctrines 
of theolog}', and exerting a great influence even in secular matters. 
He was pastor for forty years, till his death in 1789. The following 
ejntaph is inscribed upon his tomb in the South grave-yard: 

. "Here Lyeth Interred the Body of ye Rev. Samuel Newell, A. M., Late Pastor of the 
Church of Christ in New Cambridge. A gentleman of Good Genius, Solid Judgment, sound 
in the faith, A fervent and experimental Preacher of unafFected Piety, kindest of Husbands, 
Tenderest of Fathers, the best of Friends and an Ornament of the Ministry. And having 
served his generation faithfully by the Will of God with serenity & calmness he fell on 
sleep February ye 10th 1789, in the 75th year of his Age, And the 42nd of his Ministry. 

Death. Great Proprietor of all, 'tis thine 

To tread out Empires, and to quench ye Stars." 



*3. *4 See Page 32 

("Jenewary" 4"', lyf^.) 

It was agreed upon and Voted between the prefent Churchmen that are amongft 

us that they paying all their miniftearel Rates to us for the year paft and 

half their mineftearel Rates for the futei' unlill they haue a lawful minefter acording 
to the Cannons of the Church of England which may Requir and Recouer their 
Rates by laws of the gouerment fet ouer them we the fofiaty would forgiue or 
Relinquifh to them two Rates which was laid the year paft viz a two fliiling Rate and 
a four ihiling Rate and all other Charge that fhall arife for y« fini/hing the meeting 
houfe and mr Newels Wood — 



32 BRISTOL, COXXIiCTlCUT 

In spite 1)1" tlie heavy lourden which the support of a pastor l:ad 
imposed upon the little society, and in spite, too, of the severe loss which 
the Episcopal schism had caused, they almost at once began to plan 
for the building of a meeting-house. In December, 1746, the site, 
which had been chosen by a committee from the General Assembly, 
was bought of Joseph Benton for £4. They began the work at once, 
and, I think, began to hold services in the new building early in 1748, 
though it was not entirely finished till 17.5o. 

The sacrifice which the people made to build this house and support 
preaching is strikingly shown by the heav)* taxation. Before it was 
begun the society taxes had never been less than five per cent., but in 
Mav, 1748, a ten per cent, tax was laid, in December of the same year 
a twenty per cent, tax, and another ten per cent, tax in December, 174'.M 
It must be remembered, too, that this was for ecclesiastical purposes 
alone, and did not include town or state taxation. It was against these 
ten and twenty per cent, taxes that the protest of the Churchmen had 
been especially directed. This first meeting-house stood a few feet 
northeast of the present one, and was, furnished partly with the old- 
fashioned pews, and partly with seats. Sittings were assigned accord- 
ing to the wealth, age, and official rank of the congregation, and this 
"dignifving the meeting-houee" was a most delicate operation. To 

*4 

(July 20"", 1747.) 

At a fofiaty meeting of the Inhabnitants of the 4 fofiaty in y^ town of farmington 
Called new Cambridg viz of fuch Inhabitants of f'^ fofiaty as are leagly Qualifid to 
Vote in the Choice of a minefter and to make an agreement with them being held by 
aj rnment in f^ fofiety on the 20"' day of July Ad 1747 

Whereas this fofiaty haue maid Choice of mr fam" newil to be our minifter and 
haue giuen him a call to fettel in the gofpel mineftry amongft us of which call he hath 
excepted it is therefore Voted and agreed by this fofiaty that if y" f mr fam" newil 
(hall become our ordaind and fetteld minifter that then we will and fatiffy unto him 
for his yearly falery befides what hath been allre<Jy Voted him for his fettelment viz 
for what Remains of this year fixty feuen pound ten fliiling in bills of Credit of this 
Coleney in old tener on the firft day of next enfewing febury and the firft day is the 
time at the which we agree and couenant wiih him the f'' mr fam" newil to pay him 
his falery yearly from year to year 

And we agree and Couenant to pay and fatifrie unto him for his falery the firft day 
of febuary A d 1749 one hundrd and fourty pound and in the 1750 one hundred and 
fifty pound 1751 one hundred and fixty pound and in the year 1752 one hundred and 
eighty pound and in the year 1753 two hundred pound and in y* year 1754 two hun- 
dred and twenty pound and in the year 1755 two hundred and forty pound and in the 
year 1756 two hundred and fixty pound and in the year 1757 two hundr<;d and eighty 
pound and in the year 1758 three hundred pound which we couenant and agree to 
make as good to him then as 3 hundred pound is now for his yearly salery which is to 
be his (landing falery and is tp be paid and fatiflied to him the f mr fam" newel for 
his yearly falcy during his continance amongft US in the gofpel miniftry and is to be 
paid to him in bills of Credit- of this Coleney of the old tener or in good and mar- 
chantable grain filch as Wheat Rie and Indian corn which grain is to be Rated and 
paid to him according to the Curant market prife that fuch grain ftiall bair at hartford 
in the county of hartford yearly on the firft of jenaury deducking Reafonable Carage 
(They were also to furnish him "a fufiftiantcy of firewood for his famely." ) 



OR "new cambkidgk." 33- 

each man's grand list was added fifty shillings for each year of his age. 
and twenty pounds additional for the rank of Captain, ten for that of 
Lieutenant, and five for that of Ensign. *5 All over fifty years of age 
were seated in front, the young folks in the galleries, the children on 
benches in the aisle. The children were to be seated in the pews, "men- 
kind at 16 3'ears old, and female at fourteen." One pew, doubtless the 
least desirable was assigned to the slaves; for some of the good people 
held slaves in those da^^s, and the Jerome family still have a bill of sale 
of "a negro boy. Job," signed by no less reverend a person than Parson 
Newell himself. *6 Deacon Gaylord appears to have been the musician 
of the society, and for fourteen years he was elected to "set the psalm." 

Attendance at church, and proper behavior while there, was en- 
forced with all the rigor of the law, as some light-minded youths of 
Parson Newell's flock found to their sorroAV. In 1758 Nathaniel Mes- 
senger, "for whispering and laughing between meetings," was fined three 
shillings and costs, and in 17G2 John Bartholomew, "for playing with 
his hand and lingers at his hair in meeting," paid a like penalty. 

This meeting-house was replaced by a larger one in 1771, and that 
by a third, which is the main part of the present building, in 1831. 



(December, I77>.) 

Voted Chufe a Coinmitte to Dignify the New meeting houle 

Voted that but one head (liall be allowed to .uiy mans Lift 

Voted that it fliall be allowed in the Lift fifty (liillin;:^ a year for age 

Voted that no Commillion ihall be allowed in (eating any man 

Voted that all that are above Sixty years of age fliall be Seated .it the Dlkredon of 

tlie Seatois 

[The rules for dignifying tlie' Inst iiiccliiig lionse arc .staled Id tlic ic.xl 
Tlic second line of this record moans liial only one allowance for age shrill 
b(; iTiadc in a family, aufi the foijrlh that military lilies shall not he eon 
sideied ] 

*6. 

SLAVE BILL OF SALE. 

Know all Men by thcfe Prefents That I Sam" Newell of Farmington in the 
County of Hartford & CoUoney of Connecticut in New England, for & in Conlideration 
of four Hundred & Seventy pounds Money of the old Tenour by me in hand 
Received & to me well Secured by William Jearom of Farmington, in the County 
of Hartford & Colloney of Conne<5licut in New England, Do give grant Bargain Sell 
Convey & Confirm unto the aforef^ William Jearom his Heirs & afligns forever, one 
Certain Negro boy Named Job, of about fourteen year's of Age to have & to hold 
the P Negro, forever & Deliver the faid Negro Boy found & well — & further I the 
Id Sam" Newell Do by thefe prefents bind myfelf my Heirs Executor's & adminiftra- 
tor's to Warrant Sc Defend the abovef Negro to f Jearom, his Heirs & afligns, for- 
ever againft all claims & Demands whatfoever in witnefs whereof I have hereunto Set 
my hand & Seal this Seventh Day of Jannuary A : D : 1755. 

Signed & Delivered in prefents of Sam" Newell [seal.] 

Hezekiah Gridly Juner 
Abigail Giidly 



34 



BRISTOL, CON'XECTICUT 




GRAVE OF RKV. SAMUKI. XKWELL, IX THE SOUTH OR DOWXS CEMETERY 



Of the early Episcopal church much less can be related. The ten 
"churchmen" left the Congregational church in 1747, and three years 
later they seem to have been under the care of some Episcopal clergy- 
man. In 1754, they built a small church building, opposite the Con- 
gregational meeting-house, north or northwest of the present first district 
school-house. Here occasional services were held by missionaries froin 
another parish, among whom were Messrs. Camp and Newton, who had 
formerly preached in the Congregational church. 

In 1774 the Reverend James Xichols took the care of this parish , 
probablv in connection with others. Soon after his coming, the ec- 
clesiastical differences, which had- separated his people from the rest 
of the society, began to develop into political differences. The excited 
and patriotic feelings of the Revolution were largely directed against 
the Episcopalians, nearly all of whom were supporters of King George. 
Chippin's Hill, where many of them lived, became quite a Tory centre, 
and meetings were held there of Tories from all parts of the state. Mr. 
Xichols is said to have been several times shot at, and the popular in- 
dignation at the position of his people was so markedly shown that 
many of them left New Cambridge for more congenial neighborhoods. 
Mr. Xichols himself staved in the western part of the state, and his loyal 
people continued to collect their separate taxes, and send them to him. 
These were received by him in 1778 at Salisbury, and in 177^' and 178U 
at Litchiield. The society refused to recognize these ])ayment of taxes 
to the absent rector as a sufficient discharge, and made some collections 
by legal process. Of course this intensified the bitter feelings between 
the two i)arties, and the Episcopal services were suspended for several 
years. 

After the Revolution Mr. Xichols returned to Xew Cambridge, 
and the church in 1784 reorganized with twenty-nine members. Ser- 
vices were held bv several successive rectors until 171*0. In that year 
the parish united' with the Episcopalians of Plymouth and Harwinton 
to build a church mid-way between the three parishes. Tiiis is still 
standing, and is now a mission of the Bristcil church, called Plymouth 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



3.") 



East church. The vacated church liuildinj^ was sold to Al)el Lewis, 
was used by him as a barn, and was after^^•ard destroyed by tire. Ahiny 
stones are still standing, hardly decipherable. 

The school-house, the second great institution of New England 
Puritanism, was not wanting in New Cambridge. Three years after 
the first incorporation as a winter society in January, 1745, a school 
committee was chosen "to git in the school mony," and from year to 
year it was voted to have a lawful school. This early school was kept 
during the winter only — probably in some private house. In 174i) it 
was "voted, that would haue a school kept in this sosiaty six mounths 
viz 3 mounths by a master and 3 mounths by a dame." 

In 1754 the town gave liberty to build two school-houses, of which 
one stood east of*this green, near the Roman Catholic parsonage, and 
the other on Chippin's Hill, thus accommodating the two principal 
sections of the town. In 1764 a third school-house was built, in wliat 
is now the Stafford district. Within a few years these divisions of the 
town had grown to five, and in 1 76S a formal division and designation 
of the district lines was made. 

These five districts may be roughly described as follows : 

The house of Royce Lewis, on Maple street, lately pulled down 
by W. P. Stedman, was taken as a central point. All the territory 
north of that constituted three districts; the North, extending from 
the old road, now King street, a mile and a half to the west, and includ- 
ing everything north of that line; the Northwest, including Pine Hollow 
(so called in the original layout), and Chippin's Hill; and the Northeast, 




THE ABEL LEWIS STORE, LATER KXOWX AS THE "STEARNS PLACE." (The 

windows were formerly used in the old Episco])al Church.) 
Froin Photograph loaned by Miss C. L. Bi)\\-man. 



3() BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Stafford and Xortli Forestville. The land south of Royce Lewis's was 
divided into two districts, called South and Southeast, by a line drawn 
from Maple street over the hill to the main mountain road. The Red 
Stone Hill settlement was excepted from this division, and kept a school 
in common Avith Plainville. 

The three school-houses already built accommodated three districts, 
and the South district now built one near the South grave-yard, and 
the North district one near the Parson Newell house. Thse divisions 
proved to be only temporary; Chippin's Hill was soon divided into two 
districts, and constant changes have been made in the number and 
boundaries of the districts ever since. 

These early schools were not free schools in the modern sense of 
the tenn. The school-houses were built, and a part of the running 
expenses were paid, by the society, but each scholar paid a certain sum 
for tuition in addition.*? The instruction included principally reading, 
spelling, writing, and ciphering, with careful training in the Westminster 
catechism, which was personally superintended every Saturday by 
Parson Newell. 

The sch(jol-houses were all small, and built on the ancient model, 
wit.h a bench running around three sides of the room, on which the- 
scholars sat facing the wall for study, and which they climbed over, 
so as to face the centre of the room in recitation. 

Our school system now includes twelve districts, emplyoing twenty- 
eight teachers, and paying for all ordinary expenses nearly SI 7. 000 per 
annum. The recent adoption of a common course of study, the hold- 
ing of common graduation exercises, and the establishment of a partial 
town high-school course, have done much to consolidate and benefit 
our educational interests. 

When the French and Indian war broke out, Parson Newell urged 
his people to their duties in the field, and a small body of New Cambridge 
volunteers entered the British army and served during the war. The 
date of this war is so remote, and there is such a dearth of records in 
regard to it, that the names of the individual volunteers, or the part 
taken Ijy them, have almost entirely passed beyond the reach of history. 
The Revolutionary war was of so much greater importance, and retained 
:so much stronger hold on the popular memory, that the part taken by 
the New Cambridge settlers is a little more possible of ascertainment. 

In 1774, when the enrollment of "minute inen" was made, sixty- 
. eight Farmington men signed the compact to march to the relief of 
Boston at a moment's warning, armed and equipped. Among these, 
:at least four — Isaiah Thompson, Obadiah Andrews, Samuel Peck, and 
Wise Barnes — were New Cambridge men. A count, somewhat con- 
jectural, and which doubtless falls below the real number, gives eighty- 



(December 28"', 1749.) 

Voted, That all the Children that (hill enter the fchool whether miile or female 
Ihall pay the ceuril* part of the charge of the f'' fchool 

Voted that a fchool fhould be kept in this fofiaty untill our fchool moiiy all Redy 
laid is fpent or Run out 

^Several. 



OR ""XEW CAMBRIDGK." 37 

nine New Cambridge men as having served in the Revolutionary war.*A 
Many famihes sent more than one member to th<^ held. Of these the 
Allen fimily sent two; Andrews four: Barnes seven; Bartholomew eight, 
including Abraham Bartholomew with three sons, and Jacob with two; 
Gaylord three, one of whom shall be mentioned particularly hereafter; 
Hotchkiss three; Hungerford two; Hart three; Jerome two; Lewis four, 
of whom Lieutenant Roger Lewis left to his family his sword and canteen, 
the latter of which still bears a dent made at the battle of Monmouth 
Court-house; Lee two; Matthews three; Manross two, of whom Elijah, 
enlisting at sixteen years of age, acted as a musician and became tife- 
major; Norton two; Peck four; Roberts four, of whom Gideon, after- 
ward our first clock-maker, with Jacob Bartholomew, became a captive 
in the famous British prison-ships; Thompson three; Wilcox two; and 
Warren two, sons of Elisha Warren, who, visiting his sons in camp at 
Boston, contracted the small-pox, and was buried back of his house, 
Avhere the fragments of a grave-stone still remain. 

Many other families were represented in the army by a single :nem- 
ber. One New Combridge volunteer, Ira Hooker, is known to have 
been a witness of the execution of Andre. 

Aaron Gaylord and his family had a peculiarly distressing experi- 
ence of the horrors of war. In 1775 he removed to Wyoming county 
with his family. At the beginning of hostilities he was elected com- 
mander of the fort, which was scantily guarded, most of the men being 
absent in the army. The fort was attacked by Indians, and against 
Gaylord's judgment a sally was ordered by a council of the soldiers. 
The massacre which resulted is a matter of history. The single soldier 
who escaped brought back the hat of Lieutenant Gaylord. and helped 
the women of the settlement to flee for their lives. Several weeks later 
the wife arrived at New Cambridge, exhausted, impoverished, and 
widowed. Two years later, however, she sent her only son, then fifteen 
years of age, into the army. 

The great national struggle, which most of us remember so dis- 
tinctly, obscures in our mind the earlier and more desperate one, but 
our fathers made far greater sacrifices in 1776 than did we in 1861, and 
the enlistment and drafts almost stripped the hamlet of adult men. 

In December, 1780, the first action w^as taken looking towards a 
town incorporation. Committees were appointed to confer with the 
West Britain society as to terms of union, and to apply to the Assembly 
for an act incorporating the two societies as a town. 

The people of New Cambridge meant to secure the precedence to 
which their greater size entitled them, and made it a condition of the 
union that New Cambridge should always be called the first society, 
and should have the town sign-post within its limits. This negotiation 
failed, and in 1781 it was voted "to make another tryal with West Britan." 
This, was no more successful, however, and the matter Avas dropped 
for three years. 



* A. This list of soldiers in the Revolutionary War, who went from Bristol, was pre- 
pared with great care by Mr. Roswell Atkins. 

Abel Allen, Samuel Allen. Noah Andrews, Obadiah Andrews. Joseph Andrews, Gideon 
Andrews, Amos Barnes, Daniel Barnes. Thomas Barnes. Wise Barnes, Josiah Barnes, 
David Barnes. Simeon Barnes, Abrahain Bartholomew. AVjraham Bartholomew, Jr., 
John Bartholomew, Jacob Bartholomew, Charles Bartholomew. Isaac Bartholomew, 
Lemuel Bartholomew. Jacob Bartholoinew, Jr., Joseph Byington, Daniel Curtis, Noadiah 
Clark, Samuel Deming, Oliver- Dutton. Hezekiah Gridley, Samuel Gaylor.d, A.arcn Gaylord, 
Dariel Johnson, Calvin Judd, William Lee, Samviel Lee. Josiah Lewis, Roger Lewis, .\hel 
Lewis, David Lewis, Caleb Mathews, Jesse Mathews, John Mathews, William Mitchsll, 
Eliiah Manross, Theodore Manross, Timothy Mix, Joseph Norton, Ebenezer Norton 
Zebulon Peck, Lament Peck, Samuel Peck, Abel Peck, Moses Parsons. 

William Richards, Stephen Rowe, Gideon Roberts, David Roberts, William Roberts, 
Samuel Roberts, Nehemiah Rice, Lemuel Gaylord, Josiah Holt, Stephen Hotchkiss, Lad- 
wick Hotchkiss, Samuel Hotchkiss, Samuel Hickox, Ira Hooker, John Htmgerford, Mathew 
Hungerford, Benjamin Hart, Thomas Hart, Jason Hart, Daniel Hill, Enos Ives, William 
Jerome, David Jerome, James Stoddard, Joseph Spencer. Joseph Stone, Daniel Thompson, 
Josiah Thompson, Isaiah Thompson, John Thomas. A.sa Upson, Elisha Warren, Abraham 
Warren, Benjamin Wilcox, John Wilco.\, Jatnes Wilcox, Elias Wilcox, William Wheeler 



38 



BRISTOL, CONXECTICUT 




HISTORIC OAK 



UN' PI-: ACKABLE STREET. WHERE EARLY TOWX MEETINC.S 
WERE HEI D. 



It will interest us all, I am sure, to know that a vital point of dis- 
sension was the building of a town building, which New Cambridge 
desired and West Britain opposed. Truly, history repeats itself.*'.) 

In 1784 negotiations between the two societies were renewed, and 
in February, 1785, a conference was had, at which the town-building 
plan was finally dropped, and a full agreement was reached. I think 
that this meeting, or some similar one, must have been held under the 
old oak on Peaceable street. It has long been tradition that our first 
town-meeting was held under this tree, but this certainly is an error. 
It seems natural, however, that some of the meetings of the two so- 
cieties in conference might have been held there, and that such a meet- 
ing could have been confused with the formal town-meeting in the 
popular memory. 

A petition for incorporation was drafted, signed by committees 
of the two societies, and sent to the Assembly which met in May. 1785. 
This petition was promptly granted, and the name of Bristol given to 
the new town. This name nowhere appears to have been suggested or 
asked for by the settlers; for all that can be learned to the contrary, 
it Avas selected by the General Assembly on considerations of convenience 
and euphony alone. 

The first town-meeting was held, in obedience to the act of incor- 
poration, June thirteenth. 1785, in the New Cambridge meeting-house, 
a few hundred feet from where we now stand. This first board of select- 
men was then elected, consisting of Joseph Byington, Deacon E^lisha 
Manross, and Zebulon Peck, Esq.. of New Catnbridge, and Simeon Hart, 
Esq., and Zebulon Frisbie, Jr., of West Britain. 

It was voted that the selectmen should do the business free of cost 



*9At the time of the delivery of this history, an animated contest between Bristol 
centre and Forestville, in which the former advocated, and the latter opposed, the erection 
of a town-bviildinf;, had just been temporarily disposed of by indefinite postponment. 



OR "XEW CAMBRIDGE." 39 

to the town. This economy was given up the next year, however, and 
the selectmen were paid three shilhngs a day. Jacob Bartholomew 
was elected treasurer, Judah Barnes collector for New Cambridge, 
Abraham Bartholomew collector for West Britain.* 10 

The grand list of the town amounted to ;/^17,00(), and of this about 
half belonged to each society. It was provided in the act of incorpora- 
tion that town-meetings should be held alternately in the Xew Cam- 
bridge and West Britain meeting-houses, and this arrangement was 
followed during the twenty-one years of the union. But the union 
of two societies of so nearly equal size was productive of continual small 
jealousies, and as early as 1795 the town declared its wish to be divided. 
The troubles were patched up for a time, but soon broke out again. 
New Cambridge appears to have claimed the right to always have three 
of the five selectmen, and West Britain to have the majority of the 
board taken from each society alternately. The claims of West Britain 

*10. 

EXTRACTS FROM THE BRISTOL TOWN RECORDS. 

(June 13'^', 1785, first town-meeting.) 

In Compliance with, and at the direction of the General AtTembly in their Bill in 
form incorporating the Town of Briftol : the inhabitants of faid Town being duly 
warned as ordered by the Bill to attend a Town meeting on the Iccond monday of 
J'tne : Ano Demi 1785 at the meetinghoufe in New Cambridge at 9 o' the Clock in 
the morning. And being fo met at Time & place, faid meeting proceeded to the 
choice of a moderator and Simeon Hart Efq' was Choofen Moderator to Lead in Id 
meeting at the fame meeting Jofeph Byington was Choofen Town Clerk — voted to 
adjourn fd meeting to 2 o' the Clock P. M. Meeting opened according to adjourn- 
ment — voted that the Seledlmen Shall do the bufinefs for the Town free of coft To 
the Town — Voted that Jofeph Byington Den Eliflia Manrofs Zebulon Peck El^'' 
Simeon Hart Efq' and Zebulon Friibie Jr be Selei^men for the prefent year 

voted that Judah Barns be Conftable & CoUeftor to gather the Stace Tax and account 

with the State Treafurer for the prelent year — 
voted that Cap' Daniel Barns Zebulon Frilbie Jr and Seth Peck be Conitables for the 

prefent year 
voted that William Lee Benamin WiUcox Nathaniel Mathews Thomas Brookd 

Stephen Hotchkifs Jr & Cap' Ichabod Andrus be Grandjuriors for the prefent 

year — 
voted that Abel Lewis Jacob Hungerford John Gaylord Noah Andrus Samuel 

Smith Othnial Mofes Jr Ezra Yale and Ambrofe Hart be Tythingmen for tbe 

prefent year — 
voted that Jofiah Holt Jacob Bartholomew Cap' JefTe Gaylord Amafa Hart Sam" 

Hecox Dan Hill David Lewis Reuben Ives Sam" Brooks Jofeph Hayford Rice 

Lewis David Marks Timothy Woodruff Blifs Hart Joel Hitchcock Cap' Titus 

Bunnel Ezra Cleaveland Lemuel Potrer Samuel Warner Jr and Sam" Andrus be 

Surveyors of Highways for the prelent year — 
voted that Cap' Thomas Hungerford Jofeph Byington Jofiah Peck Cap' Ichabod 

Andrus Cap' Yale & Philip M. Farnfworth be Lifters for the prefent year — 
voted that Jofiah Holt Cap' Afa Upfon David Newell Seth Wiard .Benjamin Belden 

and Seth Peck be a Committee to Exchange Highways & remove Neufances and 

to do it without Coft to the Town 
voted that the Seleflmen ... be a Committee to agree and Settle wiih the 

Town of Farmington in all matters of Claim refpeC^ing the Two Towns — 



40 



BRISTOL. COXXECTICUr 




MAIN STREliT, LOOKING NORTH, IN 1S73. 

in this respect were generally successful, as the}^ were able to carry the 
meetings held in their society. 

The election of representatives to the Assembly was also a cause 
of rivalry, and the town tried in vain to obtain the right to send two 
representatives. 

In 1804 the New Cambridge voters carried another resolution to 
have the town divided, which the West Britain meeting promptly voted 
to oppose. The General Assembly divided the town in May, ISOO. 
giving the old name, Bristol, to the New Cambridge society, and callmg 
the northern society Burlington. The organization and limits of the 
town of Bristol have since been substantially unchanged. 

One hundred years ago this hill-top had already become a public 
spot. A little to the northeast of the present site stood the Congrega- 
tional meeting-house, in which the town had just completed its organ- 
ization, radiant in "spruce yellow" sides, white doors and windows, "and 
"Spanish brown" roof. Across the road was the still smaller Episcopal 
church building, with its cemetery in the rear. Farther south stood 
the "Sabba'-day" houses, a most necessary institution in those davs 
of stoveless churches; little houses belonging to different families of the 
congregation, where each kept a Sunday fire, and during the noon inter- 
mission filled their foot-stoves, ate their lunch, and warmed themselves 
for the afternoon service. These were built in the highway, by per- 
mission from the town, as early as 1754, and were stillstanding in the 
present century. 

Near the head of this green were the whipping-post and stocks, 
neither of which, I think, was often used. Close by the whipping-post 
stood a tree, on which the Whigs had hanged a Torv caught at one of 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 41 

the meetings at C'hippin's Mil], during the stormv tiines (if the Revolu- 
tion. The arrival of an early traveler, who cut down and resuscitated 
this man, saved tlie instruments of the law from being over-shadowed 
by the victim of popular violence. 

On the east side of this green stood, probably, the school-house, 
then some thirty years old, which had originally served for the whole 
society except Chippin's Hill. ' 

This ground itself had been already dedicated to public use, and 
was a inilitia training-ground. A company of "ti-ainers" had been 
formed in 1747, of which Caleb Matthews was the first captain. Judah 
Barnes was afterward elected captain, and the trainings were held back 
of the Barnes tavern; but before the Revolution the members of the 
society bought this land for that purpose, and it has ever since been 
public ground. The principal distinction attained by the Bristol inilitia 
was a century later than the first organization, when the attempts of 
this company to evade training, by a successign of ingenious and suc- 
cessful devices, made Bristol a terror to the state officers, and finally, 
it is said, led to the downfall of the state militia system. 

The two roads inclosing this green were already laid out, but in 
what condition they were it would be difficult now to tell. The road- 
making was then done by special tax, which one might pay, or work 
out, at his option, receiving in wages, if he chose to work out his tax, 
three shillings a day in the spring, and two in the fall, and a like amount 
for a yoke of cattle. Until some time after the town's incorporation 
the roads leading out of town were hardly better than the Indian trails 
which had preceded them. When the Lewis family came to Bristol, 
Josiah Lewis was a week in traveling from Southington with his family 
and goods, having to cut his way through woods, and to find a ford 

* 10 — Continued. 

Voted that Jofiah Holt Gideon Roberts .i Judah Barns be rate makers for the prefent 

year — 
voted that Rice Lewis & Zebulon Fiifbie Jr be Key Keepers tor y pielcnt year — 
voted that Cap' Hez'' Gridly Sc Hez'' Weft be Sealers of Leather y currant year 
voted that Luke Gridly Rice Lewis Juftice Webfter and Daniel Bunncl be fence 

viewers for the prefent year 
voted that Cap' James Lee & Seth Wiard be Sealers of weights for the prelent 

year 
voted that William Lee & Cap' Khabod Andrus be Scalers of Mcaluies 
voted that Jacob Hungertord.be inlpet^or c'v: packer ot pot alhes 
voted that judah Barns be inlpedlor .i: packer ot flour for prefent year 
voted that Seth Wiard be infpeflor & packer for the prefent year 
voted to Lay one penny on the pound on the Lift 1 784 payable by the lirft day of 

Odiibei next to the Town Treafuier for defraying the Charges of Id Town — 

voted that Jacob Bartholomew be Town Treafuier tor the prelent year 
voted that Judah Barns be Collector for that part of the Town rate that Belongs to 

New Cambridge & account with the Trenfurer — • 
voted that Abraham Pettibone Jr be CoUeiflor to Colli-d that part of the Town rate 

that Belongs to Weft Bnton and account with the Town Treafurcr — 
voted that the Sign Poll lliall be Ercclcd in the nmft Convenient place Between the 

meeting houfe in N Cambridge & the Church, 
voted that a white Oak tree by the pound in Welt Bnton (lull In' the Sign Pift 

thair 
voted that the Swine Shall run on the Commons with a good lutJicient yoke on their 

necks & ring in their noles 
voted to adjourn this meeting - 



42 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

or make a bridge across the brooks. The turnpike, -which was laid out 
in 1805, taught people how to make roads for the first time. Before 
that, "corduroying" muddy places, and removing stumps and stones 
to some extent, as in our cart-paths, had been all that was attempted 
on most of the roads. 

The opening of the Abel Lewis tavern, in 179-1-, in the house now 
occupied b\^ Miss Stearns, completed the quartette of public buildings 
— meeting-house, church, school, and tavern — and made this green a 
well-equipped village centre. 

The number of taverns which were then kept is one of the curiosities 
of the tiine. Ebenezer Barnes had very early begun to keep a tavern, 
and when the Pierce fainily bought the Barnes house in 1795, they con- 
tinued the business. About 1750, Zebulon Peck opened a second tavern 
near the old Brownson house. At the beginning of this century there 
were in Bistol, besides the old Pierce tavern, and the Lewis tavern just 
mentioned, one on Fall Mountain, kept by Joel Norton, one on "\Vest 
street, kept by Austin Bishop, a deacon of the Baptist church, one at 
Lewis's corner, by widow Thompson, one at Parson Newell's former 
residence, the Dr. Pardee place, by his son's widow, one on Chippin's 
Hill, by Lemuel Carrington, one in the north part of the town, by Asa 
Bartholomew, and possibly others. Each one of these had its pole and 
sign, consisting of a tin ball with decanter, foot-glass and punch-boAvl 
painted thereon. Their principal business was the supply of liquor 
to the neighbors, and probably only one or two of them exceeded the 
lawful requirements for the entertaimnent of travelers, namely, one 
spare bed and stable-room for two horses. 

They supplied in some degree the place not only of our hotel and 
eating-houses, but of clubs, newspapers, and postoftice, for not even a 
weekly mail came nearer than Farmington till ISOO, and what little 
general news ever reached the town was circulated by the nightly gather- 
ings at the taverns. The Bartholoinew tavern ("Barthomy tavern" 
as it was called"!, was the most important one, situated as it was inidway 
between the two societies, and there the meetings of town officers were 
generally held, and much of the public business Vv'as done. 

My limit of time and your limit of patience must greatly condense 
this sketch as to the history of the centitry which has elapsed since the 
town's incorporation. The building of the stage-route, and the estab- 

* 10 — Continued. 

CNovember iz''', I 787.) 

At a meeting of the iiilubitants of the Town of Briftol AfTembled by fpecial 
Refolve of the (Jcneral Alfenibly on the 12''' day of November A D 1787 for the 
purpofc of Choufing a Delegate to fet in Convention m the City of Hartford on the 
firfJ Thirfday in January next to Ratify and affent to the Con(>ituti()n propofed by the 
Delegates of the United States Lately Affembled in tlie City of Philadelphia — 

Simeon Hart Efq' Chofen Moderafer to Lead in Id Meeting 

Zebulon Peck Jr V.f^' Chofeii Delegate by the major pait of tlie members prcfenc 
voted to Ratify the Conftitution propofed by the Convention of Delegates 
fiom the United States Lately AlTembled at the City of Philadelphia by a Majority as 
Eight is to five neatly of the members prelent 



(December 14''', 1789-) 

Voted, that the Overfeers ftiall alow three lliillings a Day per man for Libout in 
mending the rodes in the fpring & two (hillings per day in the fall of the year — 



OR • X K \v r A M n R I n r, t; 



43 




-MAIN - ,., , , - . , lS7o. 

lishment of a weeklv mail. alKiut ISOO. wlin-h tixed the bvisiness centre 
at the north side, the building of the railroad m LSoO, which changed 
the business centre again to the south side, the establishment of the 
Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, Roman Catholic, and Adventist churches, 
the settlement and growth of the village of Forestville, and the estab- 
lishment and steady development of our clock and other manufacturing 
interests, have been the principal features of this history. 

The Baptist church has the oldest continuous history of any except 
the Congregational. In 1791 the Baptists of Bristol, Wolcott, and 
Plymouth united to organize a church, and for eleven years meetings 
we're held in the three societies alternately. Elder White Osborne was 
the first pastor, then Isaac Root and Daniel Wildman. In 1802 this 
church built a meeting-house on West street, forty-two feet by thirty- 
two. This building is now a part of the Barnes Brothers clock factories. 
The church still standing on the old site was built in 1830, and the hand- 
some brick one on School street in 1880. 

* 10 — Continued. 



(April 8'\ 1793) 

Voted to Set up the Onockeolation >' in Each Society of fd Brirtol in the montli of 
September next under the Knftruktion ot" the Civil Authority and Selednien of (d 
Town they procuring Surficient Bondb to prevent the Enfedion Spredmg amony ihe 
Inhabitants ot" I'd Town the naturcl ssay — 



44 



BRISTOL, COXNKCTICUT 




THE DANIEL ROBERTS HOUSE, ON WEST STREET. THIS IS THE OLDEST 

HOUSE ON THE STREET, BEING BUILT IN 1783. SINCE REMODELLED 

AND NOW KNOWN AS THE SETH BARNES PLACE. (See page 4.1.) 

The early history of this church included a curious contest with 
the supernatural powers. A witchcraft excitement of very considerable 
extent broke out in the town, and Elder Wildinan, Deacon Button, and 
others of that church became the especial victims of the evil deeds which 
tradition has reported. Elder Wildman boldly invited to his house, 
and tried to cure, a girl who had been afflicted by witches, and, as the 
story goes, was not only unsuccessful, but was grievously tormented 
himself. Deacon Button's ox was bodily torn in pieces before his eyes, 
after he had uttered some expression of unlielief, and others on West 

* lU — Continued. 



(April 13"', 1795) 

this meeting haveing taken into confidL-raiion a Bill Palfed in Oftober LaH by (lie 
Honorable Upperhoufe direding that Application of tin- monies that Hull anle from 
the fale of the Weftern Lands belonging to this State which bill was continued and 
ordered to be printted by the Honorable General Alfenibly and having conlidercd the 
Great advantages which may be Derived to the community by promoting moral and 
religious ]nftru6\ion and a liberal Support of fchools of education — Voted unani- 
moudy that this meeting Do fully approve of the mode propofed in and by faid Bill 
for the Application of faid monies and in this Method do manifcH a Dcfire that the 
faid bill may meet the concurance of the Honorable Lowcr-houle in may next 



OR NEW CA.MBRinr.K. 




THE SETM BARXES PLACE IX HH)?. 

street and Fall Mountain told marvelous tales of demoniac possession. 
This witchcraft excitement was liegun and kept up liy a voung man 
named King, who was studying for the ministry with Elder Wildman. 
On his departure, the activity of the evil spirits ceased. 

The present Episcopal society was organized in ISol with t'.ve!\e 
meml)ers. Services were held at first in the Congregational and Baptist 
chapels. In 1835 the Reverend George C. V. Eastman was settled, 
and a church built on Maple street. This was occupied until I860, 
when they moved to the Main street church which they now occupv, 
and sold their old building to the Forestville Methodist society. 

The Methodist Episcopal church was organized in April, IS'Si. and 
meetings were held for a "while in the West street school-house. Great 
hostility ^\'as felt toward this church by the other religious bodies, and 
they could onlv buv land for their meeting-house by concealing the 
purpose for which it was intended. They completed a meeting-house 
on West street in ]837, which they vacated for their present Summer 
street church in 1880. The Reverend Albert G. Wickware was the 
first pastor, and the church at organization had twenty-seven members. 

* 10 — Continued. 



(May 5"', 1796.) 

Voted, that the Treaty between the united States ot" America and Great Hrittori 
be put into full Efeft by a unanamus Vote not a Delenting vote — 

Voted to Prefer a memorial to Congrel's in faCour of Retifiing the Tieaty between 
the Britannic Majefty & the United States of America — with but one Defenting 

vote — 

Voted that the Town Clerk Shall make a Copy of the nicmoiial and Srnd it to 

Hartford to put it into the Publick Prmts — 



10 



BRISTOL, COXXECTICUT 



The Forestville Methodist church was formed in 18")5, and in 1864 
Ixjught the Maple street Episcopal church building, which they still use. 

The first Roman Catholic services were held about 1840, near the 
north copper mine, by missionaries from other parishes, to accommodate 
tlie workmen there. When the mine was abandoned, and railroad work 
began, many of the workmen moved to Bristol centre, and the services 
of the church followed them. In 1855 a church building was erected 
though the parish was still a missionary one. It was made an independ- 
ent parish in 18G6, and the Reverend M. B. Roddan, who is still its pastor, 
began his labors. 

Occasional services were held in town from 1842 to 1858, by Ad- 
ventist preachers. In the latter year a church was organized, and in 
1S80 they bought the old Methodist church building,' and began to 
employ a regular pastor. 

The people of Bristol early began to develop the mechanical taste 
which has been so remarkable a feature of the town ever since. Even 
Ijefore the beginning of the clock business, small shops in various parts 
of the town were making goods for the towns-people, and to some extent 
for market. 

A grist-mill, that necessary incident of a farming community, had 
been started by Deacon Hezekiah Rew before 1745, near the Barnes 
tavern. This was sold to Joseph Adkins, who built a saw-mill at the 
same place, and afterward sold them both to the Barnes family. Mr. 
Adkins also built a mill on what is now the Downs site. 

A distillery, saw-mill, and grist-mill were also running in Polkville 
in the early part of this century on the Bartholomew site, but were 
probably started half a century later than the Barnes mill. 

Tin-shops were especially numerous, both in Bristol and in North 
Forestville, and I suppose that the huge tin-carts were then our principal 
medium of export trade. 

William and Thomas Mitchell early made cloths, it is said in a shop 
near Goose Corner. It seems \erv likelv that this familv owned the 




THK OLD nOWXS MILL. OX RIVKRSIOK AVESVE. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



47 






•iBBF? 







/ \ 



M\ 



-48 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

cotton factor}^ at the north side, which was afterward used in the clock 
business by. George Mitchell, and is now used by the Ingraham Company. 
Another cloth mill stood on the river, near the Barnes tavern. William 
Mitchell was one of the first makers of cloth in America. 

An account-book is still in existence of the tannery business carried 
on by Jabez Roberts from 1761 to 1770, in a shop near Albert Warner's, 
and Zebulon Frisbie probably built, during this period, the old tannery 
building still standing, long unused, on West street. 

Before the town's incorporation a partnership built a forge at the 
falls on the Terryville road, where scrap iron, and iron from the ore, 
was puddled and wrought for use. The original plan of this company 
was to extract and vise the iron ore found at this locality, but, though 
abundant, it was found to be too brittle for use, and the experiment was 
finally abandoned. 

Other small shops we're early established, but, as the clock business 
developed, all the capital and skill of the town was drawn into that. 
The pioneer of clock making in Bristol, and indeed in this country, was 
Gideon Roberts, who lived in what is now the town house, on Fall Moun- 
tain, and began in a crude way before 1790 to make clocks. His clocks 
■were made entirely with hand tools at first, and peddled by him about 

* 10 — Continued. 



(April 10''', 1797) 

Voted, that the Ono.eoUtion •■ of the entcction of the Sm.ill Pox may be Set up in 
Briftol under the enftrudion of the Civil Authority and Selrdtnen of fd Town & 
During the plealure of the fd Town — 



* Inoculation. 

(December 13''', 1802.) 

Voted that the Inhabitants of this Town Make up their Nomanations for Town 
Officers in Each Society in Opan School Society meeting anually tor the fuler — 

[This seems to iudirate that each society eomniouly presented its own 
■"ticket" for town officers.] 

(May 21", 1804.) 

Voted that Col' Abraham Pettibone John Fuller Jeremiah Grifwold Jelfe Fuller 
Giles Humphrey and Job Mills be a Committee to Draw the Remains of the New 
bridge socalled back to the place where it was Carried from by the late flood Either hy 
a Spell or any othej way as they think beft — 

(May 24"', 1804.) 

Voted that Blifs Hart Bryan Hooker Efq'' and David Marks be a Commttec to 

make a Draught of by Laws Refpeding Hogs Sheep Geefe turkies .'v.c. going 

at Large and make Report to Sum Futer meeting — 

(June 16"', 1806.) 

Voted, that thofc who go to work on the County road next monday fhall have it 

difcounted on their tax provided that one fhould be hid for the purpolc of make- 

ing fd road — 
Voted, the fele^ Men ihall provide liquor on fd day at the expenfe of the Town — 



)k XKW fAMHRI DCE. 



4V) 




FORMERLY THE NORTH SIDE TAVICRX. 

the country on horseback; after his sons grew up his business was in- 
creased, so that at one time in 1812 he had four hundred movements in 
process of manufacture, and his goods found a regular market, especially 
in the South. He became well off, is said to have owned the first chaise 
used here, and left a considerable property. During the latter part 
of his life he was known as a Quaker, and wore the garb of that society. 
Some of his clocks are still in existence in this neighborhood. Like 
all other clocks of this early period, they were made to hang on the wall; 
and at a later date were put into the familiar tall cases. 

Joseph Ives began making clocks about 1811 at the Laporte Hub- 
bell site in East Bristol, and, soon after, he and his brothers started 
small shops, one on Peaceal)le street, one on the brook near the Noah 
Pomerov site, and one near the Dunbar spring-shop site. In this latter 
he made a clumsy metal clock of his own invention. Dunbar and Merri- 
man were also located on the Pomeroy brook during this decade. About 
ISi;], Chauncey Boardman, in a little shop still to be seen near Ash- 
worth's factory in North Forestville, began making clocks of the primi- 
tive wall pattern. 

The invention of the shelf clock, by Eli Terry of Plymouth, pros- 
trated the trade in the long clocks that were made here, and our makers 
all stopped business about 1S20. They soon adopted the new pattern, 
however, and during the score of years before the panic of 1837, the 
first Jerome factory, on the spoon-shop site, the Samuel Terry factory, 
farther cast, south of the river, where the Bristol Brass and Clock Com- 
panv's dam now crosses it, the Eureka shop, built by a large partner- 
ship, the Bartholomew factory in Polkville, the Burwell shop, built 
by Cliarles Kirk, the old Baptist Church building, converted into a 
factory by Rollin and Irenus Atkins, the Ephraim I3owns shop, on the 
"Bone and Ivory" site, and tlie George Mitchell factory, which, origin- 
ally the West Britain meeting-house, then moved to Bristol for a cotton- 
mill, is now a part of the Ingraham case shop, were all occupied in the 
making of wooden thirtv-hour clocks, <-ir expensive brass eight-day 
clocks. 



50 BRISTOL, COXNECTICUT 

In this Mitchell factory Mr. Elias Ingraham. the founder and head 
of the E. Ingraham Company, learned the clock trade. 

These factories, with the older ones, and the three at Forestville, 
Avere making in 183G nearly one hundred thousand brass and wooden 
clocks a year. 

The coinpletion of the Farmington canal in 1826, by greatly in- 
creasing the facilities for transportation, had been a great assistance 
to our local prosperity. Before this all goods had to be hauled to and 
from Hartford or New Haven in horse-teams. These facilities were 
further increased in 1850 by the opening of the railroad. The panic 
of 1837 generally prostrated business, but the invention of the small 
brnss one-day clock by Mr. Chauncey Jerome revived it on a stronger 
basis than before. Mr. Jerome himself sent an agent to England, estab- 
lished a market there, enlarged his business, and in 1843 built two large 
factories, one on each side of Main street just below the bridge. Both 
these factories, and the Terry factory, the three largest in town, were 
burned in 1815, and Mr. Jerome moved his business to New Haven. 
But his cheap brass clocks had given an impettis to business which lasted 
until the great panic of 1857. Then almost every clock-maker in to^^'n 
failed, or suspended businf^.'^s. Since the revivnl of prosperity which 

* 10 — Continued. 

EXTRACTS FROM THE NEW CAMBRIDGE SOCIETY RECORDS. 

( Otlober 14''', 1741: — Fifit society meeting.) 

At a general AlTembly holden at New hauen oiflobV 14 1742 they granted us y* 
mcmi.rail of farmington firftt fofiaty liueing in the fuuthweil part of i'^ fofiaty Begin- 
ing at the (eco'nd third fourth fifth and fixth diuifions of land to begin at the (outh 
end of f diuifion and to extend fiue miles North a hbertv of Winter preuiledges to 
hire .in othurdox minifter to preach amongft us fix mountlis 

it being Neffeary for us to Choofe futabel men to cary on our Nelfeary Concerns 

We haue at a lufiaty by legal Warning on the Eighth day of Nouember in the year 
1742 Maid Choi'-e of those ofl'ercers as foloweth 

tirft we uoited* maid Choice of Ebnezer Barns for our Moderater furthermore at the 
fame meeting they maid Choice ot mofes Lyman to be their fofiaty Clark 

At ihe fame meeting they maid Choice of edvvard galord Neimaah manrofs and 
ebnezer hamblin to be their Commitee for their fofiaty concerns 

At the fa/Tie meeting maid choice of Samuil gaylord a Collei^er to Coie(ft their 
minefter Rate 

At the fame metting they maid choice of John hikox for our fofiaty Trelurer 

At the fame Meeting they part by Voite that we Will hire preaching as long as the 
Caurt has giuen us Liberty 

At the fame Meeting we part by Voite that we Would meet at John browns tor 
the Winter I'eafon for the prefnt 

At the fame Meeting We Voted that any two of the Comitec figning of the bills 
of Charge going in or Coming out (hall be fufifint 

(January 28"', 174^.) 

At the fame meeting Neamiah Manros Caleb Abernathy and fam" gaylord cholen 
School Commitee and to take care to git in the I'chool mony 

At the fame meeting it was Voted that our fofiaty meeting fhould for the futer be 
warnd by notifications fet up in writeing one at the tavern door one at daniel Roes 
ihoop and another at the door of the corn mill 



OR ■ XEW CAMBRIDGE. 



' 51 




MAIX STREET--Ll)ilKIXG SOUTH IX I'.UIli. 

followed, the business of our dock factories has gone, on, with no such 
crushing disaster as came in 1837 and again in ISoT. 

The Joseph Ives shop in Forestville, which has been mentioned, 
was afterwards occupied in making small wooden articles, and finally 
in making clock-parts bv Elisha Manross. He built in 1S45 the factory 
near the railroad, which was burned and replaced by the Welch and 
Spring movement-shop in 1870. Hendricks,- Barnes and Company 
went into the old Ives shop, and made there the first marine clocks ever 
made. This location, after several changes, passed into the hands of 
Laporte Hubbell, who is still manufacturing in a new building on the 
same site. Soon after 18li0, Chauncey Boardman and Joseph Wells 
built a factory in North Forestville, near the turnpike. This was one 
of the most important factories of that time. 

Fifty years ago, besides the old houses on the turnpike, and a little 
settlement near the Boardman and Wells shop, there were only about 
a dozen houses in Forestville, and the neighborhood of the station and 
of the Welch Comjiany's factories was still unbroken forest. In 1835, 
William Hills, J. C. Brown, Jared Goodrich, Lora Waters, and Chauncey 
Pomeroy built a factory, and began work where the Welch company 
is now located. Mr. Hills built a house on the south side of the river, 
and Eli Barnes on the north side, in the same year. The name Forest- 
ville, which has been already used by anticipation in this address, was 
then selected for the locality; so that this centennial year of the town 
is also the semi-centennial of the village of Forestville. Mr. Brown 
bought out the rest of this firm, and in 185:5 built what is still called 
the J. C. Brown shop. Upon his failure, this ]Kissed to Mr. Welch, 



OJ • BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

and from him to the E. N. Welch Manufacturing Company, organized 
in 1864, now our largest clock-makers. 

After the panic of 1837, there was a general feeling that our in- 
vestments had been too rigidly confined to one line of business, and 
the result has been the gradual establishment of hardware, woolen, and 
other factories, which now nearly or quite equal the clock business in 
importance. The Bristol Manufacturing Company, formed in 1837, 
the Bristol Brass and Clock Company, founded in 1850, and now doing, 
in its three fiictories, the largest business of any manufacturer in town, 
J. H. Sessions and Son, whose business was begun in 1869, and the 
Sessions Foundry Company, organized in 1878, N. L. Birge and Son, 
the Dunbar Brothers, Wallace Barnes, the Roots, Bartholomews, War- 
ners, and other smaller concerns, engaged in various kinds of manufac- 
ture, give our prosperity a far more solid basis than it could have in the 
growth of any single business. There are now about thirty factories 
in town, many of them of considerable size, making in the aggregate 
nearly or quite three million dollars' worth of goods annually, sending 
and receiving by the railroad over thirty-five thousand tons of freight, 
giving the direct means of support to two-thirds of the inhabitants, 
and creating a ready market for all the produce our fanners can raise. 

* 10 — Continued. 



(March 14"', 1745 ) 

At the fame meeiing it was Voted that Bills of Publick Credit of the old tener 
rtiould pafs or be ftated at thurty two fhiling per ounce in filuer 

At the fame meeting it was Voted that meafuyers fhould be taken in order to our 
being fet off for Training 

(May 17'h, 1745.) 

At the fame meeting more then two thirds of the fofiaty declard be their Vote 
.they Would build a meeting houfe as foon as with Conueniancy may be 

At the fame meeting Mofes lyman was Chofen our agent to Peition to the general 
Affembly for a commicee to ftate the place for ihe meeting house 

(July z\ 1747.) 

At the fame' meeting it was uoted that we will giue mr fam" newel for fettelment 
as followeth one hundred pound in half a year and one hundred pound more at the 
years end and one hundred pouftd the fecond year and two hundred pound the third 
year to be paid one half in mony of the old tener and the other half in prouifion pay 
if he will fettel with us in the gofpel mineftry 

(January i6"', 174^) 

uoted that our Colledfors fhall Colleifl the Rates of them thofe that call themfelues 
of the Church of england amongft us and we will defend them 

(December 4"', 1749.) 

Voted that Thomas hirt fhould hiue his bill of Charges with Refpeft to his 
Coleding the minifteral Rate of those that y' Call themfelues Churchman amongft 
us as it was laid before the fofiaty 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGK. 



53 




soldiers' -MO.XC-MKXi U.Xli UF Illli FlRSi' TO BI£ tKHCTiiL) IX THE NORTH 

The civil war, and the part taken in that contest by this town, are 
too recent to need any detailed mention. To most of you that period 
is not a thing of history, but of memory. I will only say that of the 
early Connecticut regiments there were Bristol men in nearly every 
one, and during the first year of the war over one hundred enlisted. 
Company B of the Fifth, and C of the Fifteenth, contained little bodies 
of Bristol men, and companies K of the Sixteenth, and I of the Twenty- 
fifth, were principally made up from here. 

Many of our soldiers fought through the entire war, and entered 
Richmond with Grant at the close; many died in battle, or by disease, 

* 10 — Continued. 

(December 12''', 1750.) 

Jofeph Benton def hez Rew was Chofen prifers to prife mr Newl wood at his house 

"5=^/ -j- deacon. 



fnall fit togather in the pews in the meeting; hoofe 



(December 3"', 1753) 

Voted to ad to mr newels Rate on hundred pound mony of the old tenci prouided 
he will find himfelf with firewood 

Voted to fend a pition to the general Airembly next may for the mony or the uele 
of the mony norfolk is to be fold tor to fuport of fchooling amon^'A ui and other 
yong fofiatys if they will joyn with us 

de" ftephen Barns Benjamin hungerford and Capt galord was Chofen 10 dignity the 
meting houfe and Zebulon peck thomas hart and de dauid gaylord was Cholen leaturs 
to feat the meetine houle 



54 BRISTOL, CONXECTICUT 

and were buried in unknown graves; the large body who belonged to 
Company K of the Sixteenth had almost a harder experience than either 
for after two years' service they were captured, at Plymouth, N. C, and 
sent to Andersonville prison; and there, or in other prisons, there died 
twenty-four of the original seventy-four who had gone out with the 
company. , « 

The entire number of enlistments credited to this town's quota 
was three hundred and eighty-seven. Deducting re-enlistments and 
non-resident substitutes, the number of separate men, resident here, 
who entered the service cannot have been less than tAvo hundred and 
fifty. Of these, fifty-four, over one-fifth, died in the service; sixteen 
of wounds in battle, twelve of disease, two at sea, and twenty-four of the 
unspeakable horrors of Andersonville, Florence, and Libby prisons. 

When the war was nearly over, the grief of our citizens at these 
severe losses, and their respect for the memory of their slain townsmen, 
found expression in the building of our soldiers' monument, which w^as 
■completed in 1865, one of the very first in the country. 

Another notable monument, in the Forestville cemetery, is the 
tribute paid by Amherst students to their Professor, Newton S. Manross 

* 10 — Continued 

(December 17", 1753.) 

Voted that the pews next the pulpit fhould be the nrft in the dignihcation the firft 
feat and the 2 pews next the gret door the 2 the 2 feat and the 2 piler pews 
the third the corner pews the fourth the light pews the 5 the 2 pews under the 
ftars the 6 

At A fofiaty meten holden on jeaneury y 12 : in y" year 1767 at the meten hous 
hezekiah griddelye afq was chofen mooddrater thomas hart m' robbard cogfwell A fa 
upfon was chofn commitee to A juft the Acounts with the tax gather and Like wife 
to in speft & ajuft the acounts with the formor collectrs and commitey and fettel y'- 
fofieatys acount with euery own 

uoted to meet on y« laborth days at ten a cloock in y*" morning and y' inter milhon 
is to be but own our from this time to y-' fuft of march nex 

the above meeten was befolued by a uoot * 

at the above meete notted uneafesnefs with the commltties doouings 



(September 25''', 1769, in the matter of the second meeting-house.) 

Voted to get the flore Bords and Roof Bords amoung our felves 

Voted to get the singles amoung our felves 

Voted that En : Samuel Adams fhall Cull and pafs his Judgment upon the fingles 
that are Brought for the Meeting houfe whether they are fit for ("uch houfe 

Voted to Give 4 pence hapeny p'' foot for all the Hewed timber Great and Small 
for the above f meeting houfe Delivered at the place where f houfe is to be Buiit 
Good timber Hewed fit for fuch Building 



- Vote. 

(M.iy I , , J 7 ;o ) 

Voted to Ralle our Meeting hojic H\ a free will oHcring .ind w.it Chofen I.ifu 
Jofiah Lewi^ Lieu Ebn : Barns R.ichcl Barns wid : Afahel Barns Ln^ Gerlli )m lulllc 
Samuel Brockway Rtiyce Lewis to keep publick entertainment in the time wee are 
Raifinp our Mining houfe 



OR "XKW CAMBRIDGE. DO 

who enlisted with tlie Sixteenth, was elected the tirst Captran of Com- 
pany K, and fell at the head of his comjKiny, at the hrst meeting with 
the enemy. 

In 1785, the grand list of the town was . SSo.oH'.).27 

In 1707, this had decreased to ... 01,71.5.38 

And in 180(3, still further to .... 54, 416 ..32 

A corresponding decrease in population took place during the same 
period. The division of the town in 1806 divided nearly in halves both 
property and population, and a loss even from that is shown by the 
census of 1820. Then, it will be remembered, bee;an the especial develop- 
ment of the clock business, and from that time the town has steadily 
increased in population, and more rapidly in wealth. The incre^ise 
reported bv the census during the decade from 1870 to 1880. from o..-8S 
to 5,347, \vas over fortv [er cent . a gain e.:,Lialed by very few Connecti- 

* 10 — Continued. , 



(August 7'", 1770 ) 

Voted to Colour our ru vv nitfting houfe 

Voted to Colour llic .ihove I' meeting houfc viz; the Body of I' huule fpruc* 
yellow .in.i tire Dorci .rn^i wlnduwi of fjid houfe white 

Voted to Colour tlir Roof of our t)v' meeting houfc Sp.tnllti Brown 



(Deccmbrr J"", 1770) 

Voted thjl the Meeting houfe Commltty llull givi l'o=;— 6 pr C.llon t^ir the rur 
tbey hjd of the (ocity 



(December 6'", 1775 ) 

Voted that the Soci.t) (h.ill uUeihe L.md thjt wa. purch.ifed (or a place of pe- 
rade fouth of the Meeting houU: and p.rv to th,.le il...t Bought I ' Land the fum often 
pounds two IliiUings An>\ Set f I.-ind hv t,., thr Benefit of the fo.iety of New 
Cambridge 

The above f voter. Deleded by l.uu"" jofiah Lewis Ifaa. hall Abraham Brrthnjo 
mew Eli Lewis Da^id Newell tlm Mix Jacob Bertholomew Rovce Lewis Ben wrlKo« 
Jofiah Lewis Jnr abel Lewi; jofeph Row Seth Roberts Samuel Lewis 



•' Not 3n otTmrng irf money, but ot labor 

(March l6"', 1789 ) 

voted that all Town Meetings that Shall happen out of the anual Cuurle of the 
year fhall be warned by the Seltilmen. Seting up Notifications ..n the Publick ligri 
Foils in fd Town, and on the feveral Uoor.- of the Ta ve, nkcepers and grillmills in fd 
Town ot Brillol 



July 4''', 1776. 

American Independence Was Declared by the General Cr.ngrcis 



56 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

cut towns. Since 1880, we believe tliat this rate of growth has been 
fully maintained, and that the town has now more than six thousand 
inhabitants. This increase of population since 1870 has been accom- 
panied by a marked development of the town; the two banks have been 
organized, the two newspapers started, most of our important business 
buildings erected, many business and residence streets laid out, and 
the general appearance of the town strikingly changed. 

, The record which we look back upon today is not one glittering 
with brilliant deeds, nor made illustrious by great names. But our 
fathers, with the honest, rugged virtues, that made early New England an 
unique power in the world, have laid for us a good foundation. Industry, 
integrity, wise conservatism of thought, the reverent fear of God, are 

* 10 — Continued. 



(December 6"', 1779O 

Voted that the People be at their own Liberty to pay mr Newels Rate Either 11 
Silver or Continental money Viz if in Silver their Equal part of 6^4: * and if in tliu 
Courancy their Equal part of I 30o£ 



April 12 1780 Southington thefe may Certify all whom it may Concern thai 

Jacob Lindfly of New Cambfidge is a member of the Baptift Society in Southington ^ 

Contributes to the Neceffary Charges thereof & it is Defired he may not be Called 

upon Elfwhere which is acording to law as 

Witnefs my hand Stephen Gorton Elder 



("April ifth, 1782.^ 

Voted that it is the Defire & requefl of this Parifh that the Gen' Afembly rtjould 
apoint a Juftice of the Peace in the Parifh of N Cambridge a*- their Next Seflions 

* £65 in silver had some time before been agreed on as an equivalent for the X300 
promised in " old tenor " bills. 



{December 7"', 1778.) 

Voted that the Societies Comittee be impowered to Deal out the Sal; that belongs 10 
this Parifti now in the hands of Dea" Manrofs to the widows of Souldiers 4 other needy 
Widows & fuch other Needy perfons as they fliall think beft 



New Cambridge Dec''^ I 1779 

Altho the Society of New Cambridge as a Society have not rendered to me what 

was Juftly Due by Covenant Feb'y 12 78 & Feb'.v 12 79 yet a Number have beer. 

Juft & Generous another Number have done Something Considerable a Considerable 

Kumber have done but a Small matter towards juftice yet to prevent trouble in 

the prefenc world I Do Give a free Difcharge to fd Society for what was Due to me 

for my\fervice at the two above named Periods & Refer them to the Lift tribunal 

.where impartial Juftice will be Enquired after 

Sam' Newell 



« OR XEW CAMBRIDGE. ,)/ 

deeply implanted in the rocky soil of this hill. Let not this generation 
depart from these. Old-fashioned nianners are disappearing; let not 
old-fashioned virtues also disappear. Let not the increase of our material 
prosperity produce, nor accoiiipan\', a decrease of intellectual or moral 
worth. 

We cannot but wonder what will be the history read at our next 
Centennial Celebration, when the telegraph and telephone are crude 
curiosities for a loan exhibition, when the Great P-ebellion is as remote 
to the thought as is the Revolution now, when perhaps our acts, and 
words, and names shall seem as quaint and antique as our fathers' seem 
now, when perhaps our thirty factories, and six thousand people, our 
churches, and schools, and institutions of every kind, shall be as petty 
and strange as the New Cambridge life is to us. 

* 10 — -Continued. 

(May 20'\ 1782.) 

Ac a Society meting of the inhabitants of the Parifh of N Cambridge Legally 
warned for the Purpofe of Nominating a man for a Jullice of the peace in f' parilh &: 
holden at the meeting house on the lo'*" of may A D 1782 



Voted that the method for Nominating a perfon for {^ ofice fhall be by Each Giving 
in for the man that h« would Nominate with his Name fairly written 

The Nomination being brought in Sc Counted of as aforel"' it apears that they were 
found in the following maner 



Dea=" Zebulon Peck 
Lt Joseph Byington 
Capt Nath Jones 
Thomas Hart 
Capt Ala uplon 
Luke Gridley 
James Lee 
Benjamin Lindfly 



5° 
2Z 



INDENTURE OF SLAVE GIRL. 



This indentor witneffcth, that I the widow Abigail Deming of Farmington in the- 
County of Hartford & Colony of Conneticut in New England do Bind one Certain 
Negro Girl of nine years of age Named Silpah an apprentice to my son William 
Jearom of the Town Sc County atfore-f for and Duering the whole term of time of 
Sixteen years all of which f term She the "' Silpah Shall faithfully Serve her Mailer 
Sc miftrefs in all their Lawfull Commands not abfenting from their bufinefs by night 
nor by Day their Secrets keep their Commands obey & behave in all points faithfully 
as a good Servant aught to do duering the whole term of f'' time 

and all of which time her f mafter is to provide for her in Sicknefs and health 
according to her Dignety Sc at the End of the above-f"* Term her fd mafter is to give 
her two good Sutes of apparel filing to all parts of her Body and for the well Sc faith- 
fully executing this obligation we Set our hands and Seals this 22'"' of June AD. 1771 

in prefence of us 

Jofeph Byintun Abigail Deming [seal.] 

Temporence Jearom William Jearom [seal.] 



58 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 




BLANKET, SPUN, DYED AND WOVEX BY ABIGAIL PECK, WHO SHOT THE LAST 
BEAR SEEN IX BRISTOL. LOANED BY MISS M. A. CARPENTER. 



ABIGAIL PECK, "THE BEAR GIRL. 



(Y ALICE M. BARTHOLOMEW 



One summer Sabbath in seventeen hundred and forty-eight or nine, 
a bear came down Wolcott Mountain to the cornfields near Goose Corner. 

There it was seen by the twelve year old daughter of Deacon Zeb- 
ulon Peck, who was caring for her younger brothers and sisters, and 
preparing the family dinner, while the parents attended divine service. 

The brother, younger, and Abigail, both \vished to shoot it; but 
age and deputed authority won for her the distinction. 

Later she married Hezekiah Gridley, Jr., who was captain of the 
Bristol militia during the Revolution, and led his men to Xcw Haven 
to assist in repulsing General Tryon. 

Their daughter, Abigail Gridley, wove the blue and white blanket 
seen on page 5{). 

It is of wool and linen in the "Double Bow-knot" pattern. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



59' 




BLUE AND WHITE BLANKET WOVEN BY ABIGAIL GRIDLEY, OWNED BY MISS- 
ALICE M. BARTHOLOMEW. 



60 



BRISTOL, COXXECTICUT 






FIRST PRIZE, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 
NATIONAL SOCIETY 

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN 
REVOLUTION. 

DEDICATED TO 

KATHERIXE GAYLORD CHAPTER. 
BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT. 
Written and Illustrated* 

BY 

FLORENCE E. D. MUZZY, 
Organizing Regent. 



* We regret that the Hmited space will not permit''the reproduction 
of Mrs. Muzzy's charming illustrations that appeared in the original. 



'XKW CAMBRIDGE." 61 



NOTE BY THE AUTHOR. 



THE story of Katherine Gaylord, as here given, has been carefullv 
compiled from every available source, in the attempt to present 
luider one cover as complete and accurate an account as possible 
of this tragedy of the American Revolution. Dealing especially 
with Katherine Gaylord, Heroine, and the events with which she had 
personal connection, its scope must necessarily be historical and bio- 
graphical, rather than genealogical. The Gavlord historv shows the 
descent of Aaron Gavlord from William, who came to Xew England 
1629-30. 

The line of Katherine Cole Gaylord, from Henry Cole, is brieflv 
traced as follows, by Mr. Milo Leon Norton: 

1. Henry Cole, of Sandwich, Massachusetts (on Cape Cod), moved 
to Middletown, Connecticut, in 1643; married Sarah Ruscoe, 1646; had 
4 children; removed to Wallingford, Connecticut, where he died 1670: 
Sarah Ruscoe Cole died in Saybrook, Connecticut, 16S8. 

2. "William, youngest son of Henry Cole, born lOoS; married Sarah 
, and lived in Wallingford. 

3. James, son of William Cole, born March 7, 1707, in Wallingford; 
married Catherine Wood, of Windsor, Connecticut, January 20, 1742; 
lived in Harwinton and in Xew Cambridge, Connecticut; died in New 
Cambridge, September 10, 1S03. He is often mentioned on the records. 

4. Katherine Cole was born in Harwinton, Connectictit, Novem- 
ber 28, 1745; her birth is given upon the Harwinton records as "Cath- 
eren," daughter of James and Catheren; and we find the name variouslv 
spelled, Catherine, Katherine and Caty. The Daughters of the Amer- 
ican Revolution, upon the adojjtion of the name, voted also to adopt the 
spelling already put in print by her descendants, and to use the name 
Katherine. She married Aaron Gaylord about 1763; lived, after her 
marriage, at "New Cambridge in Farmington." now Bristol; moved to 
Wyoming Valley, Pennsylvania; returned to New Cambridge; and 
finally moved to Burlington, Connecticut, where she died, 1840, leaving 
three children, Lemuel. Phebe and Lorena. Nearly all of the facts con- 
cerning Katherine's life have come to us through the descendants of 
Lorena. A little was learned from Mrs. Sylvia Kirkpatrick, descendant 
of Lemuel: and an item or two from Mr. W. E. Frisbie. descendant of 
Phebe; otherwise, all facts come from the family and friends now resid- 
ing in that part of the country where the last days of the heroine were 
spent. 

Two of the descendants of Lorena, Mrs. Mary P. ]\L Brooks and 
Mrs. Helen M. B. Potter, have written personal recollections of the tale, 
as told them by their grandmother. The record of Mrs. Brooks is in 
print [see "Gaylord- Wyoming"] and it was from this, first of all, that 
the Katherine Gaylord Chapter, proved the worth of their heroine 
when her name was presented to them by their first vice-regent, Mrs. 
Mary Seymour Peck. Miner's History of Wyoming is authority for 
statements concerning the condition of affairs in the Valley at the time 
of Katherine's residence there. 

The names of five of the eight men present at the funeral services 
of Katherine Gaylord have been found by ^Ir. Norton, as follows: Warren 
Bunnell, Martin L. Goodwin, David W. Goodwm, Lemuel Bunnell, 
John Buck. 

Miss M. J. Atwood, first recording secretary, and Miss C. L. Boav- 
man, first historian of the Chapter, have also rendered valued aid in 
this work. To all of these, and to any other who has extended the 
helping hand, the writer begs to express her sincere thanks. 

FLORi:XCE E. D. MUZZY. 
Bristol, ConnccliciU, December, j8q8. 



62 BRISTOL, CONXECTICL T 



KATHERINE GAYLORD, 

HEROINE. 



B 



I'^AUTIFUL Wyoming — fair Wyoming! Not iron-bound, like- 
these rocky Xew England shores; but smooth and fertile — 
easv to till, rich in harvest! Come, let us eol 



How often, may we believe, did Katherine Gaylord listen 
to these and like persuasions before she could bring herself to say: 
"Whither thou goest, I will go!" and to leave the loved, rock-bound 
New England for the lovely but fearsome home in the wilderness. It 
could not have been an easy thing to do, for "only he is strong whose 
strength is tried," and the time had not yet come to prove her mettle. 

The tale of much contention for this most desirable abiding place is 
oft-told. Over its beautiful woods and streams hovered an atmosphere 
of strife and hate. The aborigines fought for it among themselves, 
and Avhen the white man came, fought for it with him. 

Later, untrustworthy Indian sales, and ignorant, invalid grants by 
Royalty added to the confusion of property rights. Finally the covmtry 
came to be claimed at one and the same time, by the Six Nations, Penn- 
sylvania and Connecticut. 

In 1768, Connecticut formed here a town, calling it by the suggestive 
name of Westmoreland. 

This was divided into townships five miles square, each to be given 
to "forty" settlers who should agree to remain there, improve and pro- 
tect the property. The first forty arrived in 1769 at Wyoming (called 
by the red man "Wavigh-wau-wame," shortened by the white into 
"Wau-wame," and anglicized later into Wyoming). 

In 1770 the forty began the famous "Forty Fort" at Kingston town- 
ship, Westmoreland, but were interrupted by the Pennamite war. Five 
times were the Yankees expelled by the Pennsylvanians, and five times 
came back with true Yankee grit to "man their rights." The comple- 
tion of Forty Fort followed the cessation of hostilities. This was built 
of upright timbers, closely set. A row of cabins, many of them con- 
taining several rooms, was ranged against the timbers within; while 
again within this circle of homes was an open space or parade large 
enough for the drilling of an entire company. In one of these cabins 
Katherine Gaylord had afterward a home. 

The fort held one store, and a mill, consisting of a samp-mortar 
made of a burned log. with a pestle worked by a spring-pole. Before 
1773, Westmoreland had called a minister, and a doctor had migrated 
thither. A tax was laid to support free schools; a land office was estab- 
lished, and military organization not neglected. The soil was prolific, 
sheep and cattle plentiful, food and clothing abundant. Peace seemed 
at last to brood over the beai;tiful valley, while back in New England 
the war-cloud hung low. No wonder one "Fort\'" followed another so 
rapidly. 

In April-May, 177.), Katherine Gaylord, in her Connecticut home 
saw her husljand, at the call for troops after Lexington Alarm, march 
to the front — Boston and vicinity. Detachments of the brigade to which 
Aaron Gaylord belonged took part in the battle of Bunker Hill. It is 
probable that he was among them, as he was afterwards appointed to • 



OR ".\H\V CAM BRIDGE." 60 

lieutenancy, this entry bemg found in Connecticut Records, Mav. 1777: 
■"Aaron Gaylord established by the Assembly to be lieutenant of Third 
Company, Twenty-fourth Regiment." At the expiration of his term in 
December, he returned to his home in Xew Cambridge, now Bristol, 
Connecticut. 

Early in 1776, hearing no doubt wonderful tales of fertile Wyoming. 
he moyed to the "Far West." with his wife, Katherine Cole, and their 
three children, Lemuel. Phebe and Lorena — the oldest. Lemuel, being 
about eleyen at that time. 

It is supposed, though not recorded, that they joined one of the 
"Forties" continually going out. The journey, occupying about three 
weeks (time enough, in these rapid-transit days, to cross the continent 
itself three times, or trayel half way round the world!; was made on 
horsebacl?, with all their worldly goods. 

Doubtless she found it hard enough, eyen with the strong arm of 
her husband to hew her path; but looking back upon it, in her terrible 
journey home three years later, Katherine Gaylord must haye felt that, 
measured by suffering, the way ®ut was ease and comfort, in comparison. 

They settled in Forty Fort, and lived the usual frontier life of more 
or less poverty and depnyation. Katherine related in after years much 
of that life to her children and grandchildren, but many of her tales are 
faded and lost in the mists of the past. Viewing however, the self- 
sacrificing life of women as a whole, in those hard davs, we mav come 
better to understand her own; for surely she was never one to sit idlv 
by, while others toiled. 

From the remembered tales of her own lips, then, and from the 
recollections of others, we can see her, in addition to the care of her own 
home and family, toiling in fort or field, while the men were awav upon 
public service; planting, garnering grain, husking corn, making hay; 
riding miles to mill, with laden steed, waiting for the wheat to be ground, 
and bringing it home at night through long stretches of darkening forest; 
and, later even making the salt-petre used in the manufacture of powder, 
for public defense. 

When dry-goods were gone, and money failed, she fashioned gar- 
ments from her own clothing, that her children might attend school. 
One hardly knows whether to laugh or cry over the untoward fate of 
Phebe's new gown, made from her mother's red flannel petticoat I This, 
having been hung out upon a line to dry, fell a victim to a lawless ma- 
rauder from neighbor Roberts" jjig pen, and Phebe was left lamenting! 
Let us hope that good Mistress Roberts possessed an extra, flannel petti- 
coat of brilliant hue, which was made a free will oft'ering in behalf of 
Phebe's education. Every mother knows that there could have been 
no limit to the daily acts of self-denial which the frontier mother practiced. 

Those who remember Katherine Gaylord unite in describing her 
( as small and frail of build^or at least, of hardly medium stature; with 
blue eyes, brown or fair hair, delicate complexion, and line features; 
hardly our ideal of a rugged pioneer woman. Power of spirit cannot 
always be gauged by power of body, nor force of character by outward 
seeming. In old age she is described by one still living, who knew her 
well, as a "very intelligent, agreeable and highly respected" person 
in her community. 

It would seem that the family had friends in Wyoming for history 
states that a brother of Aaron "who died in the service" had settled 
there. 

In December, 1777, six months before his death, Aaron Gaylord is 
upon the Westmoreland records as one of the appointed "fence- viewers" 
for the ensuing year. In those days of few and uncertain boundaries, 
this must have been an important work. 

The valley now, 1776 to 1778, held hundreds of homes, with liarns, 
stacks of grain and everything in plenty, agriculturally considered. 



64 BRISTOL, CDXXECTlCt'T 

The coinnicrcial status is partl\' shown by the following list of prices: 

Men's farm labor, three summer months, per day os 3d 

Women's labor, spinning, per week 6s 

Making horse shoes, and shoeing horse Ss 

Taverners, best dinner 2s 

Taverners, mug of flip, with 2 gills rum 4s 

Good j'arn stockings, a pair 10s 

Beaver hats, best 4^ 

Tobacco, in hank, or leaf, 1 pound 9d 

Good check flannel, yard wide 8s 

Winter-fed beef, per pound 7d 

Good barley, per bushel 8s 

Dozen eggs 8d 

Shad, apiece 6d 

Wyoming was an extreme frontier, the key to a large territory 
beyond'. The Six Nations were within a few hours' canoeing, and nearly 
all the able bodied men of the valley were now, 1778, called to help save 
their country^— leaving their own homes to possible destruction. An 
outbreak seemed impending. 

Given these conditions, it was an unaccountable fact that Congress 
did not respond to the appeals sent now by the helpless settlers for pro- 
tection. Those remaining did all the}^ could. They went to the field 
with rifle, as well as hoe. They sent out scouting parties to watch the 
Indian trails and report weekly. In this service Aaron Gaylord must 
have shared 

In May the scouts began to encounter the savages; although it had 
previously seemed the enemy's policy to remain in hiding, apparently 
fearing — as it proved — to alarm the settlers and cause the recall of the 
two companies from the seat of war before the Six Nations were ready 
for the attack. 

Now and then small squads of Indians, covered with paint, would 
land before the fort, making warlike denaonstrations, to the great alarm 
of those within. 

People from the outer settlements began to come into the forts. 
Congress was again notified that an attack was imminent; but still the 
Wyoming companies were not allowed to return. Appeals to justice, 
mercy or policy seemed to have no effect upon Congress in its strange 
obtuseness to the dreadful peril of the colonists. About thirty Wyom- 
ing soldiers did return "with or without leave," but even then, the num- 
ber of fighters was appallingly small. 

It is probable that it was at this time of confusion and absence 
of regular officers, that Aaron Gaylord was appointed temporary com- 
mander of the fort, in accordance with the account given by Katherine 
to her children; but in the absence of official record, we are obliged to- 
pass this by as tradition. 

The last of June, the Senecas and other Indians to the number of 
six or seven hundred, with four hundred British provincials and a num- 
ber of tories, descended the river, landed twenty miles above the fort, 
crossed the valley, and murdered several settlers. 

A prisoner taken by them was sent to the fort, demanding its sur- 
render, which was refused. 

A council of war was immediately held at the fort, at which the 
majority argued that, as no help could be expected, the massacre of the 
fort's company was only the question of a few- days; and that the only 
possible way o"f salvation was to attack and defeat^the enemy. 

A small minority, of which Aaron Gaylord was one, opposed this 
plan, feeling that it was worse than folly to venture out, knowing nothing 
of the strength of the invaders; but being overruled, Aaron GaNiord 
prepared to go with the Others, saying: "/ will go, for I would rather- 
die than be called a coward in such a time as this." 



NKW CAMBRIDGE. 



05 



WEST STREET, 1907 



This street is two hundred and tv. enty-one vears old, and is the 
only street in the borough whieh lies in the highway of the original 
layout, its generous width alone bearing evidence of its descent from 
the colonial assembly.* Probalily through this thoroughfare Katherine 
Gaylord passed many times, and it seems fitting to illustrate this street 
first of all of the streets, and in this place. Great care has been taken 
to :nake the information as correct as possible. Each picture is num- 
bered froni 1 on, and then follows the street nuinber (except in cases 
where the houses are not numbered). O signifies oivncr, R resident. 
This explanation applies to all of the street pictures which will foHdw 
throughout this work. 



WEST ST. 




(1) i\o. 5ol, Seth Barnes U; {2) No. 520, Oscar Perrault R; Frank 
P. Dowd R; (3) No. 516, Mrs. Henry Hutchinson O; (4) No. 509, rear 
Sam'l Winchester R; (5) No 513, L. H. Mix R; (6) No. 511, John Le 
Febore R; Geo. Fortin R; (7) No. 50!), Mrs. Jane Carroll O; (8) No. 
504, L. Henderling R; Chas. (Vocker R; (0) No. 501. Mrs. John Elton 
R, Edward H. Elton A', H. S. Iilton A'. 



*Mary P. Root's The Founders and Their Home. 
Sketch of the Early Bristol Families r66:^ to lyo;^. 



or A Century 



66 BRISTiM., CnVXECTICUT 

One account states that they started early the following morning, 
July 3, 1778, but the history of Wyoming says that they went out at 
noon, marched four miles, and formed a line of battle near Fort Winter- 
moot, where the fighting began at four in the afternoon; and the anx- 
ious listeners at the fort could tellthat the battle was on. Miner's His- 
tory gives this in detail. 

During the half hour of open fighting they drew near to the river, 
and when about eighty rods away, with Menockasy Island a mile dis- 
tant, it was suddenly discovered that they were surrounded by Indians 
who had remained stealthily in ambush until the}'' had passed. They 
had fallen into the trap. A hideous battle yell, repeated six distinct 
times, coming from every side, told the dreadful truth. 

An order to wheel and face the rear was misunderstood as an order 
to retreat to the fort, which was clearly an impossibility. In the con- 
fusion thus occasioned, resistance to such overwhelming numbers was 
fatal, and so the battle ended and the massacre began; while the help- 
less listeners at the fort, realizing a change and fearing the worst, waited 
in A'ain agony for those who would never come again. Only now and 
then an exhausted, bleeding straggler would stagger in to tell his heart- 
rending story. 

iMenockasy Island offered their only hope, and many sprang into 
the river to swim across. A few escaped, but many were butchered as 
they swam, or shot in the thigh and reserved for torture, or happily, 
killed as they svirrendered! In their frenzy, men shot old friends in 
cold blood, and one tory was seen deliberately to shoot his own brother. 

The leaders of the two armies were of the same name — Butler — 
and were said to belong to one family. 

Out of three hundred who went forth, o\-er half were murdered; 
comparatively few falling in battle. 

A detachment of thirtj^-five men arrived at the fort at evening, but 
too late. Ari attempt to concentrate the people of the valley at the 
fort was a failure, as fugitives were seeking the swamps and woods in 
ever}^ direction. With one company of one hundred women and children 
there was but one man. Few had provisions. "Children of misery, 
baptized in tears," were born and' died in the wilderness and swamp. 

About nine in the evening there came to Katherine Gaylord in the 
fort a worn-out fugitive — a neighbor of the fort cabins. He brought 
to her a hat, narrow brimmed, high crowned — with a bullet hole through 
the top — her husband's! 

He told her all she ever knew of his death. Together the two men 
had crossed to Menockasy Island closely followed by the savages. It 
was nearh^ dusk, and the neighbor, running ahead, secreted himself 
under an uprooted tree, screened by bushes. An instant later Aaron 
Gaylord ran by, hotly pursued bv the Indians. He was almost immed- 
iately overtaken and scalped. The savages returned, peering here and 
there, but in the gathering gloom soon gave up their search and disap- 
peared. 

The man in hiding dared not venture forth until after dark, although 
he knew by the sound" that his friend lived for some time. 

At length, creeping cautiously out, his foot struck against the hat 
of the fiomrade who had fallen a sacrifice to savage hate. Hastily se- 
curing it, he brought it Avith him to the heart-broken wife at the fort — a 
last relic of a life that was past! 

Before he went out to his death Aaron Gaylord had counseled 
long with his Avife, and had formed careful plans for her flight, should 
he never come back. Even after mounting his horse he had ridden back 
again to his own door, and, handing her the wallet which contained all 
tiie money he had in the world — a few dollars only — said: "Take this, 
if I never return it may be of some vise to you." 

That he never would return, seems to have been firmly impressed 
upon the hearts "f l^"'h husband and wife The children, Lorena and 



'x?:\v CAMBRinr, K. 



i5i 



WEST ST. 




(10) No. 50l\ C. F. PetLibone /v, A. S. Pettibone R; (11) Xo 492, 
Mrs. Wm. D. Bromley O; (12) Xo. 4S0, Mrs. Catherine Fish O; (13) 
Xo. 471, W. B. Chapin O, A. J. Rawson R; (14) Xo. 452, Leroy T. 
Hills O, Wm. M. Hills R (Xo. So Race St.); (15) Xo. 461, R. AV. Gay- 
lord O (at one time Methodist parsonage); (16) Xo, 44'.), Henry L. 
Hmman R, Xo. 451, Gep. R. Webster R; (17) Xo. 443. H. J. Forsyth R, 
Xo. 445, David Cormand R; (IS) Xo. 441, Mrs. Lillia H. Linsley O. 
Henry L. Phelps^T?. 



68 Br.ISTOI., CONXECTICl'T 

Lemuel, afterward related to their children his thoughttulness in this 
planning. Lemuel remembered his father as he sat upon his horse giv- 
mg final directions; and how, in obedience to his father's wish, he went 
at once to a distant pasture and brought in their horses to the fort. 

"For," said Aaron Gaylord simply, but with a thought covering 
tl.eir entire future, "you may need them." 

Katherine bade him good bye as a pioneer woman should bravelv 
and hopefully without in spite of the sinking heart within; Ijut she 
seemed to know they would meet no more in this life. 

"Great strength is bought with pain." There was no time for tears. 

Recalling his wishes and plans she hurriedly made ready for instant 
flight. Upon one horse she hastily packed clothing and provisions: 
upon the other the four were to ride alternately. Family tradition, 
however, records that, because of a sudden lameness, Lemuel was forced 
to ride much of the way, and Katherine herself walked. 

Shortly after midnight they rode out of the fort into the horrible 
blackness beyond, into pathless woods, amongst "savage beasts and 
still more savage men;" a veritable hades through which they must pass 
or die! Long, weary, unmarked miles stretched out before her, while 
he to whom "her heart had turned out o' all the rest i' the warld" was 
suddenly gone to the land that is afar off; his body, that was so dear, 
lying uncared for, behind her in the wilderness. Think of it "oh, women, 
safe in happy homes." 

Little Lorena never forgot that awful moment, and vears after 
would vividly recall it to her grandchildren. "I was Lorena," she would 
say impressively, "and I was the youngest, only seven years old; and I 
reinember but one incident of that night. As my mother, sister and 
myself, mounted upon one horse, and my brother (fourteen vears of age) 
leading the other, went out from the fort into the darkness, mother 
turned, and speaking to her neighbors whom she was leaving l^ehind. 
said: "Good-bye, friends! God help us!" Her voice was so unnatural 
that I looked up into her face. I shall never forget the expression I saw 
there. It was white and rigid, and drawn with suffering that might 
b;ave been the work of years instead of hours. It was so unlike my 
mother's face that I hid my own in her garments." 

Others went out also, fugitives from their own; but from these 
Katherine and her pitifully helpless little group were almost immediately 
separated, each seeking safety in the way that seemed best to himself. 
Some elected to remain at the fort, and these were present at the sur- 
render the following day. Investigation has proved that the many tales 
of atrocities done at the surrender are in a great measure untrue, as but 
one murder was committed, although the Indians could not be kept 
from plunder. After the withdrawal of the British forces, however. 
11 few days later, the savages began an unchecked career of pillage, tire 
.and murder; until those who had remained, hoping the worst was over, 
were forced to abandon the settlement, which was not fully re-established 
vuntil December, 17l>'.). 

At daybreak Katherine had reached tlic thick recesses of the forest, 
but could see from afar the sinoke of burning homes, and knew her flight 
had been none too hasty. All day long they hurried on. The first 
night they came upon a settler's deserted cabin, which sheltered their.. 
The three succeeding nights and many others they camped under the 
primeval forest trees, where, said Lorena, "we tired children, feeling 
>ecure with cnir heads upon mother's lap, slept soundly, while she watched 
the long night through, listening to the howling of the wolves and hear- 
ing in every rustling leaf the stealthy tread of an Indian." How pa- 
thetic their trust! how overwhelming the burden thrust so suddenly 
upon the frail shoulders of the slender young mother! 

After the second day one horse became so lame that they left it to 
its fate, and were thus obliged to jilod wearily i)n foot, the remaining 
steed carrying their goods. 



NEW CAMBKIDC.K. 



69 



WEST ST. 




(19) No. 43(3, W. L. Weeks R. G. Lyons R; (I'Ui No. 428, C. A. 
Garrett O, No. 430, Chas, F. Cable R; (21) No. 424, A. Bristol O.- (22j 
No. 427, Fred W. Giddmgs O, 429, R. H. Elton R; (23) No. 401, H. G. 
Arms O; (24) No. 397, Mrs. E. Bradley O, Fred Day R; (25) No. 400, 
Jonathan Peck O; (26) No. 387, H. R. Beckwith R, W. B. Wheeler O; 
(27) No. 381, W. G. Graham O. 



/O BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

On the fourth day they arrived at a large stream. Here, either 
finding, or building a raft, they loaded nearly all of their precious stores 
upon it, intending to float them to a ford, which they knew must be 
somewhere below, hoping there to cross. 

To their dismay, after starting the raft, they were told (perhaps by 
fugitives like themselves; that there were Indians below. Small wonder 
then, after hearing this, that even to save all they owned upon earth, 
they should not venture down the stream. So abandoning their goods, 
as they had previously their horse, they found a crossing elsewhere. 

Their situation was now desperate indeed. They had their one 
horse with four to ride; one blanket strapped upon the saddle, for four 
to use; a precious box of tinder and flint; and one musket, with a small 
quantit}^ of ammunition, which niust be hoarded to the utmost and 
saved for defence. How many of those hard nights may we suppose 
that Katherine Gaylord slept under that solitary blanket? Not one. 
with her three children to be sheltered and comforted! 

Their clothing must very soon have become worn and soiled enough; 
and this, to a person of Katherine Gaylord's natural refinement, niust 
have been an added bit of distress — small though it was in comparison 
with greater burdens to be borne. 

The bullet-pierced hat and leathern wallet were carried always m 
her hand, or about her person, and were in this way kept from disaster, 
and brought safely to her father's house. She treasured them as long 
as she lived, in an old chest, from whence children and grandchildren 
would reverently bring them forth to illustrate the never-old story of 
her escape from the Indians, and of the death of their heroic grandfather, 
Aaron Gaylord. After she was gone, these priceless relics were in some 
way most unfortunately lost. 

And now for weeks they toiled slowly on and on, following the trail 
indicated by blazed trees, with many wandering aside into the pathless 
forest, with weakness and weariness, suffering and danger, ever on and 
on toward home. 

After the loss of their provisions, they subsisted for several days 
upon berries, sassafras root, birch bark, or whatever they could gather 
by the way; not daring to start a blaze, or fire a musket so near the 
dreaded foe. Well for them that it was summer. Once they went from 
Thursday to Sunday afternoon without food. They met then a party 
of friendly Indians who fed them; but we can hardly imagine their ter- 
ror at first sight of a red man! They afterward- met other friendly In- 
dians as they left Wyoming farther and farther behind, and were never 
once refvised aid in all their terrible journey. 

The country, however, was very sparsel}^ settled, and many of the 
cabins they came across were deserted. As days grew into weeks, they 
no longer feared to kindle a fire at night, or to shoot game; although it 
was necessary to hoard their slender stock of ammunition with utmost 
economy. 

They sometimes met stragglers from the army, or hunting parties 
but these were invariabh^ kind and helpful; and such encounters must 
have sent many bright rays of hope and courage through the gloom, 
and unutterable loneliness of the vast primeval forest, in the drear}- 
daj's when they saw no huinan face but their own. 

One morning the little Lorena and her sister Phebe were running 
on in advance of mother and brother — though never out of sight- — 
singing and chasing butterflies, gathering wild flowers, forgetting already 
the past, fearing nothing so long as they had mother, when they came 
upon two men sitting upon the ground. These proved to be hunters, 
who divided with Katherine their stock of food, as they heard her sad 
story; and helped her on her way. 

But this incident made a great impression upon Lorena, owing to 
the fright of Phebe; who, screaming in terror, literally dragged Lorena 
back to her mother, scratching her face, tearing her garments (for the 



XKW CAMBRIDGE. 



71 



rWEST ST 




(liSi No. ;-UkS, Chas. Xagle /\; (l".ti -\(j. .'UH),^ C. 3.1. rarnngton O, 
Miss Louise M. Upson R, (Maples in front planted, in 1845); (oO) No. 
350, E. L. Carrington 0/ (31) No. 352, H. B. Norton O; (32) No. 338, 
Lewis C. Morse O; (33) No. 307, H. A. Peck O; (34) No. 280. AVm. A. 
Terry O; (35) No. 275, Geo. C. Canfield R; (30) No. 271, F. S. White 
R. C. E. Potter j^. 



71i BRISTOL. COXNECTICL"T 

latter mishap there l)eiiij,' no remedy, although Dame Nature would 
mend the former!) and greatly alarming the others. She remembered 
how her brother, the lad Lemuel, grown, since \Yyoming, to man's estate, 
his mother's confidante, protector, and sole reliance — stepped boldly 
to the front, inusket in hand, ready to defend his inother and sisters 
with his life, if need be. And the surprise and hearty sympathy of the 
two men remained always a warm memory with Lorena. 

Another day, losing the trail, they came at nightfall, in sight of a 
large building with many lighted windows, which they took to be a 
wayside tavern. Within they could see a company of men seemingly 
soldiers, seated at a table, eating their svipper. 

Faint for want of food, and exhausted with travel, still Katherine 
Gaylord hesitated. With the memory of the British and Tory at Wyo- 
ming fresh upon her, how could she trust any man! 

Desperation at last gave her desperation's courage; and entering 
a back room, she sank down in the darkness, with her little girls drawn 
close beside her; while her boy strode sturdily forward into the room 
where the men Avere gathered, and asked for food for his mother and 
sisters I 

In a moment a light was brought, and they were surrounded by 
the astonished nien, who with curious and pitying faces gazed at the 
forlorn little group, and listened to their pathetic story with manhood's 
unaccustomed tears. Nothing could exceed their kindness as they 
rivaled each other in giving comfort to the poor wanderers. 

The unwonted luxuries of enough to eat, a bed to sleep in, with 
strong and ready protectors, were theirs that night; while the sense of 
security must have given to the poor mother such a rest as had not been 
hers for many long weeks. 

"The gentlest woman," said Lorena in after years, "could not have 
ministered to our needs more thoughtfully and generously than did 
these rough, stalwart men." 

In the morning they were loaded with provisions and sent on their 
way with many kind and hearty words. 

They never forgot these friends, although they never knew who or 
what they were. Possibly, in the same way, their descendants may 
have heard this tale; and sometimes, even to this day, may ponder the 
fate of those hapless refugees whom their ancestors befriended in the 
wilderness! 

Thev had often heard at night the howling of wild beasts, but had 
never been molested. Xow, however, for several days an undefined 
feeling of unusual danger near at hand, had haunted Katherine, (who 
seems to have been one of those prescient souls, delicately susceptible 
to impressions which one of coarser fibre could not feel). 

One night as they camped by their fire they caught a glimpse of a 
long, crouching, stealthy form in the underbrush, and knew that some 
savage creature was on their track. All the night long they could see 
his gleaming eyes in the firelight, but he dared not attack them. Neither 
dared he touch them by daylight, and in the morning they cautiously 
and fearfully went on their way, not venturing to stop for rest or food. 
Lemuel led, and the others followed, upon the staunch back of their 
sorely-tried friend^ — the one remaining horse. A driving rain set in, 
and the blanket formed but poor protection. 

All day long they moved slowly on, with that fearful nightmare 
creeping ever softly, softly behind — biding his time! 

When night drew near their outlook seemed hopeless. To go on in 
the darkness and storm would be impossible. The soaking rain pre- 
cluded all hope of a fire, while to stop without a fire meant instant at- 
tack, and — a reward to the dogged determination of the brute behind 
them, of which they dared not think. 

With the knowledge of all this and with a dreadful doom seemingly 



'or new cambridce." 




(37 I Xo. 1'61, F. W. Jacobs R, Mrs. C. B. And-c.vs U; ^o.S) Xo. 2ol, 
G. Hendry R, L. L Pierce O, Geo. Curtiss R; (.']'.). Xo. 270, W. L. Hart O; 
(40) No. 262, G. C. Arms O; (41) Xo. 227, Mrs. Anna Wandle R, Geo 
Potter R; (42) Xo. 219, Chas. G. Eddy R; (43) No. 213. Geo. 
Kempster O, Alfred W. Kempster R; (44) Xo. 22(i, James Hayden O; 
45) No. 2U), J. H. Johnston R. Xo. 218, D. Sullivan. R. 



74 BRISTOL, COXNECTTICU 

SO near, the faith and fortitude of the heroic mother did not fail. She 
drew hier frightened children as closely as possible to her side, and, in 
her helplessness prayed ceaselessly for that help which to human vision 
could never come 

Faith and works go hand in hand to fulfillment; and while she 
prayed she kept moving, straining her eyes in the darkness which set- 
tled" so awfully upon them. And Katherine Gaylord never doubted 
that the Ever-Present Power in which she trusted, led their feet neither 
to right, nor to left, but directly into a little clearing, where the dark 
outlines of a deserted cabin with open door, appeared to their gladdened 
eyes ! 

Straight through the friendly portal — not stopping to dismount! 
Lemuel swung too the heavy door, dropped the bar into its place, and 
they were saved! Often in after years did Katherine say that she 
believed that they were directly led by Providence. 

The cabin contained one room, with a small lean-to in which the 
horse found luxuries undreamed of in his recent philosophizing — warmth 
and shelter! The place had evidently been abandoned in haste; for 
they found stacks of firewood, with potatoes and corn meal in plenty. 

A good fire soon warmed body and soul; and with safety, shelter, 
warmth, dry clothing and a hot supper of roasted potatoes and corn 
meal cakes, they felt a rush of fresh courage and new life. Their stead- 
fast friend in the lean-to shared with them — (though whether or not, 
in the exuberance of their reaction, the children roasted for him the 
potatoes, history does not say). 

And then they sat around the glowing fire, while Katherine thanked 
the Power that led them thither. 

In the morning the panther had disappeared but fearing its return, 
they retnained in their place of safety, and rested two days; then went 
on, doubtless strengthened by their enforced period of waiting. 

Somewhere on this weary road, they must have met, but passed 
unseen, the brother of Katherine, sent out by her anxious father (who 
had heard of the Wyoming tragedy), to find and help her home. "Our 
unknown losses!" What a subject for thought. The brother. howe\ er, 
must have kept the trail, which she often lost; and so it caine about that 
she was first to reach home. As after many weeks they saw once more 
the hills which compassed that dear home on every side, how tumultuous 
must have been her thoughts; while the mingled fear and suffering of 
the weary way by which they had come, must already ha^•e seemed as 
a troubled dream. 

The news of their coming went before, and all through the familiar 
streets as they passed, old friends came out to greet them as those risen 
from the dead. Many went on with them to her father's house. As he 
came out to meet her, brave Katherine broke down at last, throwing 
herself into his arms, burst into tears — the first she had shed since that 
fatal night at Wyoming. And not the least touching of all, was her 
determined attempt still to keep up, prefacing her tears by the cheerful 
greeting: "Well, w^e are the worst looking lot you ever saw." 

Love, home, and care were hers once more — even though that which 
was gone could never return. Here she found refuge at last; but she 
could not rest while her country suffered. Although she had seemingly 
given all — yet her patriotic heart consented to one more sacrifice. 

In 1780, when Lemuel was about sixteen, she gave him to serve his 
country in its need, as he had upheld his mother in her own. Reinem- 
ber, he was her only son, and she was a widow. When we realize all 
that he was to her, we can more fully appreciate the intensity of her 
patriotism, as shown b}^ this final offering. Lemuel was at the surrender 
of Cornwallis, and then, some time after the war, he left his mother at New 
Cambridge, and returned to Wyoming, drawn, perhaps, by more interests 
than one; for here he married Sylvia Murray, daughter of Xoah Mur- 
rav. They settled,' finallv, in Illinois and had a family of ten children. 



X1-:\V CAMBKIUGi:. 




(46) Xo. 211i, H. Judd U; (47 i Xd. I'll, James McKernan U; (48j Xo. 
200, Geo.Wissmann R, Miss Addie Judd R; (49) Xo Number, Mrs. Chas. 
Monvay R; (50) .Vo Xmnher, Pierre Gaudreau O, Geo. Clayton R, 
P. Fucci R; (51) No N'umber, Wilfred Bourdeau R, Medard Bechard R 
(was at one time Baptist Parsonage); (52) X'o. 141, A. H. Buskey R, 
143, James Barnes R; (53) No. 135, Wm. H. Merritt O, 137, H. S. Hintze 
R: (54) Xo. 114, Mrs. J. Shaw R, Xo. 110, Stephen O'Connell. 



76 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Phebe, Katherine's eldest daughter, married Levi Frisbie, and in 
1800, moved to Orwell, Pennsylvania, where they had five children. 

Lorena, the "baby," married, in 1799, Lynde Phelps, of Burlington, 
Connecticut, and was the mother of seven daughters. 

So Katherine Gaylord lived, in spite of fate, to see twenty-two 
grandchildren. After her brood had flown and no longer needed the 
care which once was literal life to them she stayed on with her parents 
and cared for them. Her father, James Cole, living to be over ninety, 
was one day left for a short time alone in the house. In some way the 
roof caught fire and the bviilding was burned to the ground. Almost 
nothing was sayed, and again Katherine was homeless. It was with 
difficulty that Mr. Cole was rescued; and shortly after he died. 

Katherine went then to live with Lorena, and for forty years she 
passed in and out among them, taking the liveliest interest in helping 
to "raise" the seven daughters of her daughter; who reinembered ever 
her kind, motherly care, and the quiet, patient. Christian character she 
maintained. 

In 1799, she had united with the Congregational Church of Bristol 
and she proved ever the truth of the beautiful thought, so suggestive of 
her spirit: 

"Our life is no poor cisterned store. 
That lavish years are draining low. 
But living streams that, welling o'er, , 
Fresh from the living fountains flow." 

Her sturdy independence was characteristic to the last, When in 
her nineties, her daughter Lorena begged her to lie down in the day- 
time to rest, she determinedly refused, giving as her reason, that she 
"did not wish to get in the habit of it!" 

In extreme old age. later events faded from her mind, but Wyoining 
and its fateful memories were never dim. 

She is said once to have been so overcome by the sight of a picture 
representing an Indian in the act of scalping a man, that she fell to the 
floor — so vividly did the horrible past return to her. 

At the very last of her life here, she would sit for hours by the fire, 
lost to her surroundings, apparently living over the days gone by. She 
would sometimes start up in terror, calling to her children to hide from 
the Indians! Again she would seem to be in fear of wild beasts and 
cry out pitifully. Sometimes she would speak her husband's naine, 
and smile — seeming to hold coinmunion with him — perhaps she did — 
who knows? And at. the last, after ninety-five years, she passed peace- 
fully away; feeling no doubt in regard to the love of her youth, that 
while 

"Clouds sail and waters flow. 
Our souls must journey on, 
But it cannot be ill to go 

The way that thou hast gone." 

The storm and tumult of her life fcemed to follow her even unto 
death. At the time of her going a terrific snow storm occurred in New 
England, blocking the roads and shutting ofT all possibility of immediate 
interment. The village carpenter, who was also the village undertaker, 
had probably time to provide a suitable casket before the storm; but it 
was several days before the men could venture out even to break paths. 
Owing to a fierce wind, in many places the paths had to be twice cleared. 

When at length the last storm which should ever rage over the head 
of devoted Katherine, had raved itself into calm, a handful of men left 
the "Center," to do for her the last service she would ever need at their 
hands. They started with horse and sleigh; but after going a few rods 
the plunging steed tore off a shoe, cutting his foot so badly as to disable 
him; and so they abandoned his help, even as Katherine had abandoned 



'Ky-:\V (• AMKRIIX'.K. 



WEST ST 




(.').! i Xu. 10>), Emory G. (laudrcau ( '. UUald Foiu-aull A', (06) 
No. W. E. Osborne R. Xo. U)l. II. Wellman R; (."iT) Xo. '.t.3, Mrs. Ellen 
F. judson O; (oS) Xo. 8(i, Fred Smith /\, Frank Wooster /\; (59) No. 
87, John Bous(|uet R, E. t'hrislum R: (tiO) Xo. SO, Deborah C. Sanford 
O; ((H) Xo. 63, T. B. Alexander R; (til') Xo. 44, Mis.s Ella Upson O, 
Edwin R. Thayer R; (63) Xo. 1.1, Mrs. l-arah A. Wandle ('. 



78 



BRISTOL, COXXECTICUT 



her steed near "Wyoming long years ago. The men then drew the sleigh 
across the drifted fields to the place, two miles away, where, heedless of 
all tumult now, the body of the heroine lay in peace. 

Greatly exhausted by the hard road and digging, the men were 
obliged to rest and take food before making further effort. 

One still living, who as a boy, was present at this strange burial, 
recalls clearly the occasion, and how the body of Katherine was placed 
upon the sleigh, while her old friends and neighbors, with their own hands, 
drcAV it to its final place; even as in ancient times great heroes were borne 
upon the shoulders of those who would do them honor. Eight men 
were present at this hnal scene, but no woman was among them. A 
tragic ending to a tragic life! 

"Never more, O storm-tossed soul — 
Never more from wind or tide, 
Never niore from billows roll. 
Wilt thou need thyself to hide!" 

[SiGXED.] "COXXECTICUT." 

f Elizabeth Brvaxt Johxstox, 
Committee on I ■ Chainuan. 

Award of Prizes. -j Marguerite Dickexs, 

I Harriet M. Lothrop. 








iiiKi\i-. i.Aii'MM. Ai HURLIXOTOX, coxn. 

(Courtesy of Hrislol Press.) 



OR \ K W C A .M K R I D I ; E . 



79 



^■^ 


Prehistoric Remains 

Or the 1 unxis Valley. 


B. 



Illustrated With Thotoyraphs from (:)rii:;inal Objects.* 

BY FREDERICK H. WILLIAMS. 




UR. F. H. WILLI A.MS. 

To the majority of men the ^Vborigine of Connecticut is less real 
than a vanished dream. The antiquarian finds hint in musty deeds or 
forgotten laws. The etymologist traces him in the names of the moun- 
tains, brooks or vales that he loved, while here and there the thoughtless 
turn up his discarded arrows or his mouldering bones. But his wigwam 
has vanished w'ith his council fires, the echo of his war-whoop is lost 
in the valleys and time has le^'elled the earth over his forgotten graves. 
Yet along with the disused tomahawk and the shaftless spear, the humbler 
imfjlements of his domestic life everywhere betray to the patient seeker 
his ancient habitations. Sallust believed that the deeds of the ancient 
Romans were as illustrious as those whose praises w-ere sung by the 
bards of Greece, but that they were so occupied with those deeds, that 
none thought to record them. So we mav believe that some among 



* All the articles illu.strated belong to the writer except such as are marked with 
letters: c A. J. Churchill, Southington; r William C. Richards, of Bristol, who afe here 
thanked for their use. 

Students interested in Archtcology.may feel assured that all articles described are 
known to be genuine, and from this section tributary to the old Farmington Valley, and 
froin Collinsville to Windsor. 



80 



BRISTOL, COXXECTICUT 




THK SOAI'STOXE QUARRY AT BRISTOL. 

the early settlers of Connecticut were curious enough to have studied 
the domestic tools of the savage, but, if so, they forgot to record inuch 
of their knowledge. Besides we should remeinber that the metal tools 
of the white man were so vastly superior to the stone implements of 
the Indian, as to cause an alinost immediate disuse of the latter, where 
metal could be obtained. Thus it happened that the students of eth- 
nology, when attention became turned towards unravelling the domestic 
life of ancient savage man, some forty years ago, found it nearly a sealed 
book. Yet piece by piece- the relics of ancient man have been collected, 
compared with each other and with what may now be found among 
existing savages. Xo longer held as mere curios to tickle a momentary 
fancy, these implements and ornaments have been vised as the alphabets 
<if a forgotten tongue, until now one can not only largely reconstruct 
the life of this vanished man, but, even entering his departed mentality, 
ask the reason of many of his ways and deeds. 

It must, however, be the scope of this article to deal only with such 
visible remains as have come down to us from the pre-Columbian owners 
of the Tvinxis Valley. Therefore, very many interesting topics mu^t 
be left untouched. 



POTTERY. 

•It has been said that, "articles of fictile ware arc the most fragile 
and yet the most enduring of human monuments."* But owing to 
some cause, doubtless the alternate freezing and thawing in a country 



* Jones' Anti inities^f the Southern Indians, p. -141. 



XKW CWMBRinr.K 



81 



subject to heavy rainfall and shallow burials conjoined, perfect pottery 
is very rare in this valley. Small sherds are found, however, upon nearly 
all old village sites. They aj>pear to have been well made and are often 
of a line red color, but frequently black- 
ened by fire and smoke. The clay is 
usually mixed with micaceous sands 
although some appears to have been 
mixed with ashes, and other sherds seem 
made of nearly homogenous clays. 
Externally the pottery is usually orna- 
mented, sometimes with parallel lines, or 
with oblique detached lines, or series of 
punctures. Again we frequently find a 
net work of various patterns impressed 
upon it. jn the American Museum of 
New York inay be seen a very fine I'ar 
found near Windsor, belonging to the 
Terry collection. We know of no othei- 
perfect pottery from this section. In 
fig. 1 we illustrate a very rare pottery 
pipe and tube, which may or may not 
have been its stem, found in the bank of the Connecticut River, near 
the mouth of the Farmington, in 1SS4. Fig. 2 shows typical pottery 
sherds from Farmington, Plainville and Southington. A curious study 
is being developed by taking impressions in wax of the ornamental lines 
on both faces of pottery jars. One can thus often reconstruct, not only 
the forms of the matting or basketry upon which they were molded, but 
at times ascertain the nature of the libres of which the netting or mats 
were made. 

"It was a common practice atnong the aborigines to employ woven 
fabrics in the construction and ornainentation f)f earthenware. Im- 




POTTERY PIPE. 













FR.\G.MEXTS Dl- I'OIIKKV, 



BRIS'lOL. COWECTICUT 






SOAPSTOXE DISHES. 

pressions were thus left on the clay, and by baking they were rendered 
as lasting as if engraved on stone. From no other source do we obtain 
so wide a range of fabrics." tFibre lines will be noticed upon the sherds 
illustrated in fig. 2.* From this we perceive how valuable any particular 
pot-sherd may be to science, and why each fragment should be carefully 
saved and sliown to the nearest general collection. 

STEATITE. 

The working of soapstone is one of the oldest organized industries 
of the Tunxis Valley. In Bristol, Nepaug and Harwinton ledges have 
been found where the prehistoric Indian mined and roughly formed his 
pots and bowls. In 1892 a beautiful exposure of an aboriginal quarry 
was uncovered in Bristol, with many bowls in various stages of finish 
still attached to the ledge. For the Indian first marked out his dish 
and finished shaping its bottom and side before detaching it from the 
rock. This separation, owing to the general irregularity of cleavage 
and frequent faults in the steatite, was often disastrous, as the many 
broken rejects about the quarry sho\\-. When the bowl was once freed 
from the ledge it seems to have been taken to some village site and 
slowly finished, being generally smoothly polished, both within and 
without. The frontispiece shows the Bristol quarry from a photograph 
made by the Peabody Museum, and shown at the Columljian h.xhihition 
at Chicago. 

Fig. 3, one third natural size, illustrates a very fine two-handled 
bowl, found soine thirty years ago, three feet deep in a sand bank at 

t Holmes Prehistoric Textile Art, 13th Annual Report Bureau Ethnology. 

* Since articles were illustrated for these papers the writer has read Prof. O. T. Mason's 
"Origin of Inventions." On page 58, we read speaking of clay iars, "but ninety and 
nine were made in nets, or baskets, or bags. In such examples the markings are on the 
outside." In fig. 2a. is shown the inside face of a potsherd from Plainville, which is ex- 
avtly similarly ornamented on both outside and inside faces. 



XEW CAMBRIDGE. 



83 



Plainville; few prettier bcnvls exist in the East. Fij;. 4 shows a small 
drinking bowl from Etxst Bristol. Fig. 5, one third natural size, is a 
cooking dish from Burlington, black with grease and smoke. There is 
also a banner stone in Terryville, and a unique, but unfortunatel}' im- 
perfect, bird amulet, belongs to the writer. Imperfect dishes and frag- 
ments are quite numerous. Some are found showing holes where they 
have been mended. Fig. 6. 

The trap talus extending along the old valley from Southington 
north to the Massachusetts line, furnished the angular fragments from 
which were made the implements used in working soapstone. In com- 
paring a collection of the implements with a collection of unworked stones 
it would seem as though nature had placed the models ready to the 
hand of man. The stones flake off into thin narrow pieces, often with 
such acute points that only a very little change is needed to produce 
the required tool. These tools are found on every village site from 
Southington to Congamond Lake in Massachusetts. And some have 
been found at Nepaug which retained the lustre of the powdered steatite. 
These implements were of four general types. Those rudely blocked out 
as axes and grooved, for helving. Of these some cut straight with the 
edge as our axes, some cut towards one like an adze, while others were 
pointed and acted more like a pick-axe. Examples of each are given, 
tigs. 7, S, 9. The second type is the most generally distributed; they 
are found from four to twelve inches long and all agree in having the 
worked edge beveled off to the left. They do not form very sharp points 
but nearlv all show the polish of long use. If a number are placed in 
a row the general trend of the bevel will all be alike. Fig. 10. 




I.MIM.I'i.MKXIS FOR WORKIXC, S T IC ATI T K . 



84 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



The third type are smaller and more robust, rudely wedge shape 
except that the point is always acute. The blunt end is roughly shaped 
to fit the hand and take pressure from its palm. They seem to have 
been used as picks and gouges, being akin to the modern tool of the 
wood graver; figs. 11, 12, 13. They may also have been driven into 
the rock after the manner of wedges. 

The fourth type resembles the third on its working point, but they 
are made of thin flakes of stone and often have a cutting point on both 
ends; fig. 14. It is not contended that these tools were used exclusively 
for working soapstone, but that soapstone was worked with them. 

In attempting a description of the general remains of the Stone 
Age Art of the Tunxis Valley, a few explanatory remarks seem justifiable. 
European Archaeologists divide their specimens into Paleolithic or ancient 
stone age, all the objects of which are chipped, and Neolithic, or newer 
stone age, in which many ol Meets are polished. No such classification 
can be made applicable to American Archaeology.* The writer would 
rather divide his description into domestic tools, largely used by women; 
implements of warfare and chase; religious or ceremonial, and ornamen- 
tal. The prehistoric Indian himself may never have conceived that he 
possessed an art. Nature could never have seemed to him the kind 
and lavish mother that she does to us today. To him she was the stern 
and miserlv controller of his destinies, from whom he only wrested, 
through strenuous and unceasing toil, those meagre gifts that never 
gave repletion. Therefore as one who strove hand to hand with nature 
on all sides, he walked closer to her nakedness than we. But his com- 
panionship was as that of a child who cannot wander far from the maternal 
font of being. He knew better than we how to read the external features 
of her presence; such secrets as she vouchsafed to him the knowledge, 
he learned with ready wit. But, unlike us of today, never having pene- 
trated within the arcana of her mvsteries, he could not stand aloof from 






HA.MMER STONES. 



* As far as <an now be seen the separation of a paleolithic from a later Indian tool in 
America is a question of its'geological location. The writer inclines to accept the evidences 
of glacial man in America. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



85 



1 




her as we may and make of those mysteries the ready slaves to work 
his will. 

HAMMER AND PIT STONES. 

Yet in consequence of this very close connection with nature, what- 
ever he met with became a possible agent in his struggles with her for 
existence, and not having differentiated his arts, each tool may have 
had an hundred useful possibilities. Necessity is no more the mother 
of invention in tools than she is of variety in their uses. It must not 
then be expected that our names df his many implements, however useful 

to our study, always convey the 
Indian's conception of them. The 
simplest of all implements is the 
hammer stone. Wherever a brook 
rolled over the gravel beds, the 
Indian found it ready smoothed and 
shaped for his hand. On all his 
old camping grounds they may be 
collected in every sort of condition, 
from the plain stone showing no 
marks of usage, through various 
stages of elaborate working, down 
t(j those that have been pounded 
nearly to pieces. Wherever we find 
the spalls or cores of the arrow 
maker, we find the little "knockers" 
with which he worked his quartz 
or cherty pebbles; figs. 15, 16. In 
this locality the inore common 
liammers are made of a hard quartz 
and quartzite. Some of these have 
been carefully pecked all around 
their edges and brought into a 
round (fig. 17), or oval shape, (fig. 
IS I, a much used hammer. Many 
are beautiful objects; fig. 19. 
Others are made of a coarse but 
compact yellow quartzite and red 
sandstone. Irregular nodular stones 
of agatized material and (juartz seem to have been prized for their great 
density and resistance to fracture. 

Many of the objects in yellow sandstone, red sandstone and even 
compact quartzite are found with one or more little circular depressions 
or "pits." These pits are conical and usually about one quarter to one 
half of an inch deep. 

Fig. 20 shows a rudclv egg-shajjed hammer of coarse red sandstone, 
in which the ingenious Indian, in addition to deep pits for thumb and 
middle finger, h"as made a third on the top of the stone for the index 
finger. This arrangement gives a firm hold. More commonly there 
is a pit upon the two flat faces of the hammer, opjKJsite to each other. 
Sometimes there is only one pit, and again a stone may have five or 
more pits irregularly placed. Figure 21 shows a beautiful red sand- 
stone that has the indescribable polish of long handling, with one pit on its 
long face and the other on its smaller end. These stones are found 
all over the w'orld and are usually called hammers. The writer thinks 
many of them show no signs of having been used upon other stones. 
Simple as they are they possess a sort of beauty which endears them 
to their possessor. Fig. 22 is a one ])it stone or "anvil." Figs. 28, 24, 
are two pit stones or "hammers." 

It is conceivable that these simplest of tools, as the Indian came 
to comprehend their possibilities, worked as great a change in separating 
him from his ferine associates, as the discovery of iron and steam worked 
in advancing mankind from the stone age c'jnditions. From striking 



I. 



2 bize. 



.\ PIT STOXE WITH THREE PITS. 

(One opposite the tv\-o shown.) 



86 



BRIS'IOI-. COXXKCTICUT 






'i Size. 



PIT STONKS. 

them together he may have gained his first conceptions of producing 
fire at his own pleasure. By striking them together he slowly discovered 
the different qualities of stones, the possibilities of the conchoidal frac- 
ture became manifest to him. From them he gradually evolved the 
whole art of chipping and pecking in stone. No thoughtful sudent can 
view these objects without emotion; their prototypes were the corner- 
stones of the portals of civilization; their discovery was the "open 
sesame" to those inventions to which man owes his present physical 
ameliorations. Whether it were apes or men that splintered the miocene 
flints of Thenay,* we can not doubt that when primitive man began 
to strike these stones together with a conscious purpose, he struck the 
blow that will be the ultiniate death knell of all his savage animal asso- 
ciates, against which unarmed he waged an endless conflict. 



POLISHERS. 

The Stone Age artisan had three general modes of fabricating his 
tools and ornaments. Having discovered a stone suitable for his pur- 
pose, often one having a natural shape similar to the object desired, a 
few well directed blows with his hammer would roughly complete its 
outlines. Now he might slowly reduce it to shape by light and repeated 
blows of his hammer, wearing it away in coarse dust. This was pecking. 



*Tbe Abbe Bourgeois showed split flints from the miocene at Brussels, in 1873. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



87 



traces of which show upon nearly all 
from flint or chert. Or lie mi^ht '^rind 




large objects, except those made 
it into shape by rubbing it upon a 
hard stationary stone of gritty 
nature, or by rubbing other 
gritty stones on it. This was 
polishing. Finally if the stone 
worked, upon were of a proper 
nature to take the right cleavage, 
he might chip it away by direct 
l)lows from his hammer, or by sud- 
den impulsion upon its edges with 
a, hard object, wear it down in 
little flakes. This was flaking 
and chipping. Often several or 
all of th^se actions might be 
lirought to bear successively 
upon one object. The little flakes 
produced by the ancient chipper 
are among the most distinctive 
of his vestiges. The eye of the 
|)racticed "relic hunter" trails 
their fabricator by these little 
spalls, much as the red man 
trailed the objects of his chase. 
Bv observing their variety, con- 
dition and abundance, he is 
often enabled to ferret out old 
and productive village sites. It 
seems probable that flaking was 
the earliest of all his arts in stone, 
and yet it ultimately reached the 
highest place among them. Be- 
sides the hammers described 
there ha\-e come down to us 



FLESHKRS. 



quite a variety of tools used in these processes. In figs. 25, 26, 27, one 
third natural size, are shown grinders or polishers of gritty red sandstone 
and quartzite. Fig. 27 is a red sandstone "pit" stone made into a 
polisher. Other curiously worked stones, whose use remains problem- 
atical, may be seen in figs. 28, 27. Fig. 30 is a beautiful stone of a dark 
chocolate color, carefully polished all over, which may have been used 
in perfecting the blades of axes and celts. The other tools are quartzite. 
All were found in Plainville or Farmington. The pitted stone, fig. 24, 
froin Congamond Lake, has been used secondarily as a polisher. 



FLESHERS. 

Certain implements have been sparsely found around Farmington 
and Plainville which seem to have been made for removing skins from 
slain animals, and possibly bark from li^•ing trees, used in making basketry 
and mats. They all agree in being made from thin flakes of a very 
hard, dense and' heavy stone. Roughly flaked out in chisel form they 
show^ no fine work except on one end. 'This end is always brought to a 
sharp edge from both faces, with the cutting edge prolonged in a cur\-e 
to one side much like an old fashioned shoe knife. They all show the 
friction polish of long use, doubtless acquired from years of drudgery 
of the squaws. They are made from a silicious blue stone, but long 
weathering has made them a dull earth color, with a fine patina. In 
the Bristol Museum is one specimen with a straight blade resembling a 
chisel. We illustrate four sx^ecimens all from Farmington; figs. 31, 32, 
33, 34. 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 






J > 



Size. 



30 



POLISHERS. 



THE SCRAPER. 



The writer believes that the scraper and its brother the flaked knife 
followed next after the haminer stone in the tide of evo.lution. Whether 
his, environment were stone, bone or shell, wherever prehistoric man 
has left his traces, these most useful of tools are found. Among such 
simple implements we cannot be surprised that along with specimens 
of the highest art should linger others as rude and simple as may be 
found among the earliest vestiges of man. Fig. 35 represents such an 
object in yellow Jasper from Granby, that seems the counterpart of 
specimens froin prehistoric France. Made froin various cherty or 
quartzite stones, soine were simply more or less chipped on one edge as 
in figs. 36, 37; some resemble arrow points ground off to a blunt edge. 
Others are merely round pebbles, split through their centers and then 
worked to such an edge that when drawn towards one they will rasp or 
cut any soft material. Figs. 38, 39, are tine examples. Many of these 
tools show signs of very prolonged use by the exquisite polish upon their 
working surface, and these are not always the ones that we would select 
for shape or beauty. Probably they were more used to soften skins and 
rub them flexible than for cutting; iigs: 40, 41. Fig. 42, one half natural 
size, represents an uncommon form with unusual polish upon it. A 
great many seem to have been used as our cobblers use a piece of glass 
for rasping wood, horn, bones and hides, and doubtless also in preparing 
food and removing meat from bones; flg. 43. Some were doubtless 
hafted in wooden handles, the handles being split open, the tool was 



NKW CAMBKIKCl-; 



89 




partly inserted and seized on with threads 
made of sinews and vegetable fibres and 
perhaps cemented with glue or pitch. Fig. 
45 (c), one half natural size, represents 
such a scra])er from Southington, which 
we believe to have been also a skinning 
tool, and admirable for small animals. This 
form, of which we have seen several, 
seems to be undescribed. One face is al- 
ways flat while the other is raised into a 
triangular ridge along its center. It is 
stemmed like an arrow point and brought 
to a cutting edge all around; length 1 14' 
inches. In -fig. 4(i we give an ideal recon- 
struction of this tool. Upon careful study 
it will be seen that when it is used flat side 
down it becomes a lancet; with its curved 
liack down it acts as a wedge or probe in 
separating the tissues or raising up the 
skill. When pushed along arrow shape 
cither edge becomes a good cutting knife, 
acting like one blade of a pair of shears. 
When held with the fiat face towards one 
it makes a serviceable knife. In skillful 
hands it could easily be vised to extract 
arrow points from wounds. These tools 
are far from numerous. Fig. 47 shows a 
much larger one, with the back much less 
ridged, from Wolcott, which shows the 
polish of very great use. Fig. 48 gives 
another specimen. Fig. 50 gives a typi- 
cal scraper fit for working both wood and 
hides, whose reconstruction has been at- 
tempted in fig. 51. Other forms of scrap- 
ers arc shown in figs. 52 and'53. 



\^-/'. > 




h^ 




'. SiT-e. 



SCKAI'KKS. 



90 



n k I s r o L, CON" .\ I-: c t i c u t 





■^^^*t£i. 





BU.XTS. 
Something like the last described scraper 
only not having the edges sharp or bevelled, 
but always blunt, are manj^ pointless arrow 
heads. They are thought to have been used 
to kill small game without breaking the skin. 
"Jones says that crescent shaped arrows 
were tised by the southern Indians for shoot- 
ing off birds' heads."* We show several 
examples of these so-called bunts or bunters; 
hgs. 54, 55, 56. In figs. 57, 58, 59, are the 
arrow points presumably used for shooting 
off birds' heads. Fig. 59 represents a chisel 
shaped quartz arrow point from Compounce, 
with very sharp edge, which is of great in- 
terest. Fig.'^^GO, an argillite specimen from 
Farmington. 

PERFORATORS. 

Next in frequency to arrow and spear 
points upon our old village sites, we find per 
forators or drills. The Indian made two gen- 
eral typesof perforations in stone. When he 
wished to bore thick objects, as pipes or ban- 
ner stones and beads, he made a cylindrical 
1 )ore usually of the same diameter all through 
the obiect. These bores are thought to have 



SCR.-\PKKS. 



* "Fowkes" Stone Art". 13th Annual Report Biireau EtlmnloKy, p. KiS. 



\T-;\V CAMBRinilH 




.1 



/i' 



^ 



■:j 

• ^ I 

\ 



been made with hollow horns or cane and reed stems with the aid of 
sharp sand. Concentric rings may be seen in many such perforations. 
Again, untinished objects often have incomplete perforations whose 
condition shows that the drill was a solid tool. Many pipes seem to 
have been gouged out, but by what tool we cannot say. The most 
common form of perforation, however, is a conical bore which usually is 
made from both sides of the stone being worked. These holes meet at 
an angle about the center of the stone, and the opening is usually near 
one side of the perforation, showing that the drill was worked in obliquely 
from each side. In more carefully finished objects the center of the 
hole is later widened so that the whole diameter is more nearly equal, 
but only in a few does the peculiar conical appearance of the bore disap- 
pear. Some tools show a conical bore made entirely through from one 
side. Some investigators have doubted the possibility of drilling hard 
stones with such drills as have come down to us. For many of them 
are of such fragile material as red sandstone, shale and slate. Dr. Ab- 
botf pictures a sandstone object of which he says: "By the aid of two 
stone drills we completed the perforation; accomplishing it after eleven 
hours of not difficult but rather tiresome labor." Two drills were used, 
one of jasper and one of slate. "The drill is of slate and comparatively 
soft, but it did not wear away more rapidly than the jasper specimen." 
We illustrate a number of typical forms from our valley. Fig. 61, one 
half natural size, is a double drill made from a moss agate. It seems al- 
most incredible that such a tool could have been made from so hard a 
stone. It is one of the most beautiful objects we possess. Found in 
Farmington. Figs. 62, 63, 64, 65, represent drills with wide arrow like 
bases. Fig. 66 is a perforator made by rubbing. Figs. 67, 68, 69, 70, 
71, 72, slender spear like tools, which were doubtless used as needles 
and awls as well as drills. Figs. 73, 74, represent large based perforators. 
Fig. 75, a small, very hard drill, resembling those from the Pacific coast. 
Some of these drills show the peculiar attrition polish that we noticed 
upon scrapers, and were doubtless used to perforate skins. They ma\' 
have been hafted. Fig. 76 (c), one half natural size, presents a drill 
shaped tool that the writer believes to have been hafted and used as an 
awl to unravel stitches in skin robes, or possibly in fabricating baskets. 
It is not straight enough for a drill. Certain flaked tools of much larger 
size, whose edges are bevelled off sharply in opposite directions have 
been called reamers. When these were revolved to the left they would 
cut with both edges in succession, but the writer cannot understand 
what they were intended to cut, Fig. 77, shows a very fine example 
from Farmington. 

KNIVES. 

We find a large variety of implements which differentiate from 
scrapers and spears on one side and tomahawks, celts and fleshers on 
the other. Of the chipped class much the finer specimens were doubtless 
men's weapons, but in the polished types the highest evolution was in 



t Stone Age in Xcnv Jersey, p. 32G. Fi^. loO, Smithsonian Pub., 394. 



^J^m^ M.rr- 



U 






>fl 



/ ■'.. t 





PERFORATORS. 



blur- 



•/^Sixe? 



PERFORATORS, 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



i)3 




woman's sphere of tools. Reserving a 
description of the weapon class for another 
l-.eading, we will here outline those forms 
presumably domestic. The simplest of 
;dl were flakes struck off by one blow from 
a pebble, but the Tunxis Valley offers few 
suitable minerals for such flakes. We can 
only point to one object of a whitish opa- 
que cjuartz, which was taken by the writer 
from the side of an excavation about three 
feet deep, during the trenching for the 
Bristol reservoir; fig. 78. Its artificial 
character is plain and its location very 
singular. A good many rudely made knives 
have been found, chipped mostlv on one 
edge, some of which seem to foreshadow 
the later polished skinning knives; figs. 79, 
SO. Fig. 81, represents a most beautiful 
example of artistic chipping. It is of 
"hornstone," and chipped only on the 
blade, but work upon it is as fine as many 
specimens of Scandinavian art. Prof. 
Mason* illustrates one of these knives 
showing us the "primitive form of grip" 
or handle which we imitate; fig. 82. In 
fig. 83, we give a knife from Farmington 
exactly like it. Fig. 84 illustrates appar- 
ently a very ancient example in red sand- 
stone. When one of these knives is held 
lengthwise, blade uppermost, along the 
hand, it will be seen to curve from one end 
to the other. When held properly the 
outlining of the "'edge sweeps from the 




forefinger in a gentle curve inward to the thumb. But if the knife is 
reversed the curve is away from the thumb. It seems only possible to 
cut a straight line when the curve sweeps along the natural curve of 
the hand from the thumb to the index finger, so we think this shape is 
intentional, not accidental. 



* O. T Mason, Primitiv; Industry, p. 40. 



BRISTOL, COXXPXTICUT 




efe. '>-•>'-' 



F^" 




In fig. 86, one third natural size, we give a very fine example of a 
skining knife made of green slate from Plainville. The reader will 
readily see how closely it resembles a New England hash knife. These 
knives seem to have been made by grinding only and are pre-eminently 
the woman's tool. Fig. 87, represents another fine example from Plain- 
ville. There is another beautiful one made of black slate in the Bristol 
Museum. A very large example is shown in the American Museum 
of Natural History, New York, from Bloomfield. Dr. Abbot among 
manv thousand j diverse tools only found one in New Jersey. Fig. 89, 
is a singular if not uniqvie little knife from Burlington. It was obviously 
made to be hafted and would have cut up cooked meat very readily. 
A well made knife blade of such a cvirious substance as red shaly sandstone 
is shown in fig. 90. Fig. 91, seems verj^ old. Fig 92, is from Bristol. 



* Abbott, Stone Age in New Jersey, p. .303. 



OR "XEW CAMBRint'.H. 




CELTS. 

■ We now come to one of the most lieauliful classes 
of all our Indian tools, the celt.| U])on these 
stones the ancient craftsman lavished some of his 
choicest skill. They are the most universal of all 
worked implements. A fine collection shows a 
wonderful variety of color and texture in stone, 
although all are made of heavy and tough mate- 
rials. They were first pecked nito shape and then 
polished more or less completel}'. The 
more common forms of Connecticut are 
cjuiteround in outline, yet many are 
oval or nearly flat. All typical celts 
agree in having a sharp blade, worked 





axe-like equalh' fru;ii both sides, so 
as to be nearly symmetrical. So 
very seldom are they grooved that 
the writer recalls only one example, 
from Wisconsin. Some archteolo- 
gists have denied that they were ever 
hafted,yetone is exhibited in the American Museum, 
N.Y., found in a brook some fifty years ago. It is 
driven about half way through a well made handle 
and may have been either a tool or a weapon. 
These tools are generally thought to have been 
used in working wood. Probably they were em- 
ployed also in rubbing down hard skins, as the 
Indian squaw doubtless used whatever tool came 
handy. As chisels they may have been pushed by 
the hand, but many show decided signs of having 
been vigorously pounded, as a joiner ])ounds his 
chisel. Working with nojguide but his eye, no tool 




t From celtis — a chisel. 



96 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



1 



^ IlL^IXEl 



but a stone hammer, and no measure hut his hand, one is amazed to 
see how perfect some of these objects have been made. P'ig. 93, one 
fourth natural size, is a very perfect black celt from Burlington. Fig. 
94 (r), from Farmington, is more flat with its sides squared and beau- 
tifully polished nearly all over. Fig. 95 is almost a twin to 93. Fig. 96 
shows a wider celt with expanding blade, made of a very dense black 
stone from Granby. Age has given this a beautiful "patina" of mottled 
bluish-grey and white. Only where a plow nipped one comer can the 
true color be seen. The depth of the weathering, while the polish of 
the stone remains as perfect as when made, would seem to indicate a 
great age. Its blade has been tised until the edge is well battered down. 
Fig. 97, found by the writer in Plainville, differs from the others, in 
being flat and verv ihin. While perfectly shaped by pecking, only 



i 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 97 

two inches of the blade has been poHshed. One side is flat while the 
other is beveled off after the manner of a plane. It would be a very 
serviceable tool in working charred wood, and capable of taking a very 
sharp edge. Implements of this class have been found made of quartz 
and simply chipped out, the extreme edge only showing the polish of 
long use. All such stones should be carefully collected for further study 

THE PESTLE. 

Schoolcraft* writes that Indian corn was raised along the Connecticut 
and tributary valleys, and coarsely reduced in mortars of stone and wood. 
This meal was our Xew England "hominy." The writer has never seen 
any mortars of stone from this section that he considered to have been 
used for such a purpose. He thinks our aboriginal mortars were made of 
hard wood, tradition says pepperidge trees. (Nyssa Miiltiflora.) 

Schoolcraft § pictures a Pennacook squaw of New Hampshire, 
pounding corn in a mortar, which is on the ground beneath a tree. Above 
it there is attached by a long cord to an overhanging limb a stone pestle. 
The rebound of the limb seems to raise the pestle and her hand gives it 
the downward blow. The Avriter cannot help the suspicion that 

soine of Schoolcraft's pictures of life are quite imaginary; still he has 
seen numerous pestles with projections or grooves on the end perfectly 
adapted to such suspension. Schoolcraftf also pictures a pestle with 
an animal's head on the upper end, saying that it was "a family name 
wrought by a symbol," what we should call a "totem." Two such 
pestles are in the Bristol Museum, but not from the section we are de- 
scribing. Pestles are quite frequently found, and being such conspicuous 
objects, usually reported to collectors. They never seem to have been 
polished, except from use on their working ends. Therefore in them we 
may see the art of pecking brought to its highest elegance, and many 
such objects are indeed most fair to look upon. In fig. 98, is shown a 
pestle from Bristol, found by the late Caleb Matthews on Chippins Hill, 
seventeen inches long. Fig. 99, depicts an extra line pestle from Farm- 
ington. Made of a dark material it is evenly pecked into a perfect shape 
all around. In another respect this pestle may be unique. It certainly 
is a novel'example of ancient stone art. Although made of a very hard 
stone, a hole of unknown depth about one half of an inch in diameter, 
has been drilled into its working end. Into this hole another stone of 
yet harder nature has been perfectly fitted, the whole being ground 
off evenly smooth. We have also another pestle in which a similar 
hole has been begun but left unfinished. The perfect pestle was found 
perhaps fifty years ago by an old negro who dwelt upon the site of the- 
old Indian village. This old fellow had an exceedingly verdant memorv,. 
which reached backward several centuries while describing his remem- 
brances of the ancient red men, as he saw them shooting their arrows 
across the primeval reaches of the meadows. The writer must now re- 
deem a pledge made to the old man a decade ago when the pestle was 
reluctantly given into his keeping — to immortalize both the pestle and 
its finder. Jacob Sampson Freeman, for half a century the custodian 
of this last vestige of some Sagamore, cherishing it almost as a Fetich, 
he became involuntarily an humble disciple of science. May his me:nory 
remain as green as his imagination, as his shade gambols through the 
happy hunting grounds. Our pledge is fulfilled. Rcquiescat in pace. 



* "Archives of Aboriginal Knowledge," Vol. I, p. 84. 
§ Ibid, Vol. 4, p. 174. 
t Ibid, Vol. ,3, p. 4f)(i. 



98 



BRISTOL, CON.NECTICUT 




"The devices of primitive man are the forms out of which all subsequent expedients 
arise. The whole earth is full of monuments of nameless inventors." — ilfawn.* 



The general similarity of the culture existing among the Tunxis 
Indians to that of the natives of other sections of North America, as 
shown by their remaining implements, points to their common origin. 
Yet the dissimilarity of speech and the extent to which special forms of 
art and customs had differentiated in different sections, point also to a 
very ancient origin of man in America. In judging the advance and 
skill of any people by their artefracts, we must consider their surroundings, 
their food supply, and especially those materials upon which their skill 
niight be expended. The comparative ease with which the more tract- 
able materials could be obtained must ever have had as large an effect 
upon the expansion of special arts as the pressure of that necessity called 
the "mother of invention," 

Yet a comparison of such worked objects as we possess shows the 
Tunxisflndian to have been capable of work equal to most any people 
of America — unless it be claimed, which Ave shall not consider, that 
his better objects were the result of barter. The Indians of this section 
are believed to have always been few in number; for, except he attach 
himself to some food stipply that is either by nature or through his own 
efforts made regular and unfailing, man ne\'er multiplies rapidly nor 
emerges from a savage state. All the great Oriental civilizations grew 
tip around the wheat, barley, rice or date fields, or in the pasttires of 
domesticated animals. So in America the nuclei of budding civilizations 
were found amid the maize or cocoa fields, or attached to the buflfalo or 
the llama. Elsewhere existed only different degrees of a baser savage- 
ism, and even that a largely degenerate and apparently a disappearing 
people. 

Of the Connecticut Indians we are told, "The women of an ordinary 
family cultivated and harvested two or three heaps of maize in a season 



* Origin of Inventions, p. 413. 

t We know nothing of prehistoric miijrations of tribes. Those Indians whose relics 
we are discussing may have been of a hundred successive nations. 



XKW CAMBRIDC. !■: 



99 




AGRICULTURAL TOOLS. 



of from fifteen to twenty bushels each," and also raised beans, pumpkins 
and tobacco.* In their agricultural labors we are told that they used 
largely their fingers as tools. "The only other implements which the 
Indians seemed to have used were spades rudely constructed of wood, 
or a large shell fastened to a wooden handle, "t As it must have been 
easier for the Indian to have made a stone spade than one of wood, such 
a conclusion seems hardly tenable. 

Our early settlers were more interested in converting the Indian, 
when not killing him, than in studying his physical surroundings, to 
which we must owe the poverty of their descriptions. 

It is only the span of three generations since the learned men of 
Euroije considered their prehistoric relics to be either the weapons of 
fairies or the thunderbolts of the god of lightning. 



* DeForest, Indians of Connecticut, p. 5, r[nolin.i,' RoRer Williams ke>'. 
t Ibid. 



100 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



While the ungrooved celt was a universal tool, curiously enovigh 
the grooved tool, excepting a few hammer forms, seems to have been 
mostly confined to America. The prehistoric dwellers of the Tunxis 
Valley left us many grooved implements, ranging from the rudely notched 
picks of the steatite miners, through more or less perfect axe-like forms, 
to little hatchets or tomahawks. These are mostly classed as axes, 
but from many years' study of the ruder forms the writer cannot con- 
sider them either rejects or unfinished axes, but believes many of them 
were used as earth picks and hoes in cultivating maize. The agricul- 
tural tools are more rudely made than celts, often merely coarsely 
flaked into shape. Showing no signs of hammer pecking, their only 
polish is that of use, and this shows chiefly on the bit and in the groove. 
When we examine such a tool it will be seen that a line drawn from the 
center of the head to the center of the blade shows the blade curving 




C.KOOVED AXES. 




TOM.iHWVKS. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 101 

away to one side. Fig. 2 (Farmington). Xo one could direct a straight 
blow with such a tool used axe fashion. 

Fig. 3 (Plainville) gives us a side view of this form of tool which 
shows the point contended. Various leaf-shaped tools seem to belong 
in the section of digging implements. Fig. 4, from Windsor meadow, 
shows a tine and ancient example. Chipped spades of quartzite, some- 
what resembling those from Illinois, only much ruder and smaller, 
have been found at Congainond Lake. They show a fine polish from 
use. Figs. 5, 5 (2). 

The real grooved axe was built upon a straighter line than the hoe. 
Usually pecked into a more perfect shape, it was often lab6riously pol- 
ished all over. The nomadic nature of our aborigines and the vast 
forests full of partly decayed timbers must have rendered a great number 
of these tools unnecessary, yet we find some fine examples. Fig. 6c 
illustrates one from Soutliington. Fig. 7 is an unusual specimen from 
Farmington Ornamented with a ridge around both sides of the groove, 
it was once polished all over, but has been roughened anew by the un- 
relenting fingers of time. Fig. 8 shows a fine flat axe from Plainville. 
We also illustrate another example in fig. 9. 

We may here speak of the tomahawk, which doubtless served to 
break up wood and bones on the march as well as for purposes of w^ar. 
Soine of these are very axe-like, as the specimen, fig. He froin Southing- 
ton. Fig. 12 shows a very rare tool, a chipped quartzite hatchet from 
Farmington. Fig. 13 shows a beautiful object of the celt type, from 
Burlington, which we consider a typical tomahawk. In fig. 14, from 
Farmington, we have a third type which must have been used exclu- 
sively for war or chase. We believe this to have been much the more 
common form. We read of the torture of captives by the Indians, 
who were said to have tied the victims to a tree and thrown tomahawks 
with such skill that they remained attached to the tree around the 
captive's head. The futility of such a use of the prehistoric tomahawks 
needs no comment. The curious reader can find in Vol. 2, p. 16, of 
Winsor's "Narrative and Critical History of America," a Caribbean 
form of tomahawk, showing how they were helved, as given by Oviedo 
in his book, edition of 1547; fig. 14i/^. In this section we must include 
certain grooved stones found in Farmington and Southington, fig. 15 c. 
These stones were doubtless finnly fastened to a slightly elastic handle 
by a strap of rawhide and used as war clubs. We cannot agree with 
those who style them hammers. 

GOUGES AND ADZES. 

Closely connected with the celt and axe and having the same dua 
development, grooved and ungrooved types, are the gouge and adze 
They are among the most remarkable of ancient tools. Made of very 
hard stones they are always finely polished, and the cutting edge is always 
nearly perfectly symmetrical. They all agree in having one face flat 
and the other more or less acutely rounded. The gouges are hollowed 
out more or less deeply on the flat face and brought to a sharp curvi- 
linear blade; some representing nearly a half circle, w-hile others are 
more expanded, a few being nearly flat. 

Examples: from Farmington, fig. 16; Granby, fig. 17; Plainville, 
18, and Bristol, 18 a, are shown. Fig. 19 shows a chipped quartzite 
gouge from Congamond Lake, which recalls the pleolithic implements 
of Sweden.* It is the general opinion that gouges were used in making 
canoes. The adze differs from the gouge in being made for a helve. 
It is usually less deeply hollowed, has a more curved back, with a flatter 
face. The arrangement for helving is often exceedingly ingenious, 
especially when we consider that it must have been planned before the 
stone was worked down to its final shape. Some are merely flat celt- 
like forms with the blade brought to an edge even with the lower surface 



* In the writer's cabinet are two similar tools from Sweden. 



]02 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



and only slightly curved to the sides. Fig. 20 shows a rare style from 
Granby, three inches long. Fig. 21 represents a typical form of adze, 
with a curved back and two ridges forming a raised groove for helving. 

THE GOUGE-ADZE. 

This implement combines the features of gouge and adze and is 
more common than the flat forms. The cutting edge varies the same as 
gouges and the raised back is soinetiines grooved, and at others has 
carefully ma(;le ridges for attaching the helve, often so arranged as to 
protect the withe or strap used in seizing on the handle from the friction 
of use. Figs. 22, 23 r, 24, 25 illustrate the several forms. 

In fig. 23 the mode of attachment is a small nipple-shajwd pro- 
tuberance. Fig. 26 R, from Plainville, is a very peculiar form, only 2J^ 
inches long. It is exceedingly well made and deeply gouged on its 
face; upon its back is one very sharply made ridge. This tool must 
have had a small handle, probably of bone, and been driven chisel- 
fashion by a mallet. The illustrations show the several forms. This 
whole series of implements is of the highest interest but lack of space 
forbids further individual descriptions. This form of implement seems 
to have had a fuller development in New England than to the South or 
West. 




lie. 



, :^' * 












I 



GOUGKS .WD .ADZES. 



•^ 



XliW CAMBRIDGE. 



h;3 




>.,.. >/. w. 




Ic 



ivST 



GOUGE-ADZES. 



THE PLUMMET OR SINKERS. 

Stones shaped like various styles of pluinmets are found all over 
the United States. Very elaborate forms in soapstone have been taken 
from the Florida mounds. The writer has collected them made from 
the central column of great sea shells (Busycon) on the shell mounds 
around Tampa. They were probably used as ornaments, although 
their use is a disputed' point among many archaeologists. We illustrate 
two local examples, fig. 27, Farmington; iig. 28, Plainville. 

(A late writer in the Antiquarian contends that they were weapons 
to use as slings. We should enjoy seeing him using some of the plum- 
mets of shell, pottery and soapstone from the South. > 

ORNAMENTAL AND CEREMONIAL OBJECTS. 

That the ancient red man was not insensible to the seductions of 
pleasing shapes and colors is easily shown when we study their vestiges. 
Arrow points are found which today are valued for jewelry. No one 
can look over a good collection of these points without a feeling of wonder, 
not only at the great variety of shapes and materials, but also at the 
skill with which the beauties of the stone are made manifest. In all 
manner of implements we find uncommon and curiously marked stones, 
laboriously worked into shape. Upon the pottery we have already 
shown the love of ornamentation. The love for color expended itself 
also upon mats and basketry, of which we possess no prehistoric examples 
from this valley. Tanned skins and barks were dyed and painted. 
Teeth and claws' of animals were made into necklaces. Bones and shells 
were largely made into beads both for use as ornaments and for money. 
But we know onl.y of a few long beads from a grave in Farmington. 
These long beads are considered as of greater antiquity than the wampum 
forms. t The Indian was also lavish in the use of ■•)aints upon his own 
person. We are able to illustrate two small paint cups, one of which 
was dug up by Mr. Jacob Mesrole, of Southington, near Wonx spring, 
and when found was partly filled with red paint powder, fig. 27 a, and 



t Although these beads came from a grave in Farmington. the writer is not satisfied 
of their being prehistoric. He would be i)lease(! to hear of any others trom this se'iion 
of the state. 



104 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

fig. 28 a, also from Southington. Lumps of red and yellow paints are 
not uncommon in Florida shell mounds. Aside from this use of paint 
and beads upon himself and his trappings, the subject of ornaments 
appears to have been closely allied to religious and ceremonial observ- 
ances. The Indian made various ornamental objects of stone, bone 
and shells. The stones were mostly beautifully grained slates or crys- 
talline forms. The use for which the varied objects were intended is 
yet buried in the oblivion that overwhelmed their makers They no 
doubt filled a place in his imagination and helped to satisfy a craving, 
which, if it were not a love of art and beauty, was at least its embryonic 
form. They also doubtless had a further reason for being, some probably 
may have been the badges of official or priestly rank, and used as cere- 
monial accessories, while others may have simply ministered to the 
pride of their possessors, as mankind today takes pride in possessing 
painting and sculpture. Whatever may have been their use, they are 
found all over the United States east of the Rocky Mountains, inore 
or less sparsely in New England, and becoming more numerous and 
varied in shape as we approach the ancient centers of denser popula- 
tions. Uncommon forms have more restricted areas, and there is quite 
a perceptible difference in special arts among the Southern Indians, 
where certain forms unknown to New England are found. Various 
names are given to these objects, according to the imagination of the 
describer. Curiously enough the older authorities in ethnology, such 
as Schoolcraft, seem to be the poorest. Comparative study has proven 
more valuable than tradition. 

GORGETS AND PENDANTS. 

Flat objects with two perforations whose opposite faces are always 
beautifully polished and which are usually symmetrical, that is if cut 
into two equal parts each would be the counterpart of the other, are 
called gorgets. Fig. 29 shows a beautiful specimen in green banded 
slate from Plainville. Similar objects with only one perforation, more 
usually near one end, are called pendants. Fig. 30 gives one of an 
unknown lightish colored material from Granby, and fig. 31 one from 
Southington of black slate. Broken and decayed fragments of gorgets 
are frequently found on village sites. 

AMULETS. 

These are long and narrow stones, always highly polished, usually 
made of black or banded slate, having one face flat and the other either 
convex or triangular. They appear in two types, the plain bar; called 
bar amulet, or with the upper face more or less resembling a sitting 
bird, with an expanded tail, and head with projecting eyes, called bird 
amulet. Both forms agree in having one conical perforation at each 
end passing from the flattened base obliquely upward and outward. 
Fig. 32 shows a beautiful bar amulet of banded slate from Bristol. Fig. 
33 shows a bird amulet from Ohio to illustrate the type. Fig. 34 repre- 
sents a bird amulet, the head broken off, made of soapstone, from Terry- 
ville. These objects are exceedingly rare in New England. Their use 
is unknown The writer imagines them to have been connected with 
the operations of the shamans or priests called pow-wows. Fig 35 and 
36 portray a very different form of ornament from Burlington. This 
handsome relic is a perfect specimen, and its perfection seems more 
wonderful when we consider that it was made with no other rule or 
square than the eye and hand of the artisan. It has two perforations 
passing up from the center of the central boat-shaped groove at such 
an angle that a cord passed through each suspends the object on a level. 
It is made of banded slate. These stones are called shuttles, but of 
their use we know nothing; they are quite rare. Never bored except 
in the center, their perforations are always cylindrical and very small 
for an Indian tool. Fig. 37 shows a singular and well polished object 
from Bristol of no apparent use. This may be a clay stone, but it has 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



105 





PLUMMETS AND PAINT CUPS. 



the greasy polish of long handling, which seems to cling to an Indian 
implement for ages in the earth. 



BANNER STONES. 

The banner stones differ from other objects in this" class in having 
one large perforation through the center. In this section all bores are 
round; west and south a few are found with oval perforations. Ex- 
aminations of a number of large collections seem to prove to the writer 
that all symmetrical fonns have round bores, while those with a sym- 
metrical wing have oval bores. The writer would be pleased to learn 
of exceptions to this statement for New England. 

These are among the choicest examples of prehistoric art. While 
mostly made of slate, inany are found in very hard materials. Fig. 38 
represents one from Columbia, Conn., worked from crystal. They 
seem to have been blocked out and shaped before being bored, as is shown 
in fig. 39 R from Farmington. They are thought to haye been badges 
of office or ceremonial flags, borne upon handles which were doubtless 
painted and gayly bedecked with colored feathers and carried in dances 
and processions. The finished specimens are always very highly polished 
and almost perfectly syminetrical. Fig. 40 r represents a tine "butter- 
fly" banner from Bristol. In fig. 41 we illustrate an immense arrow- 
shaped stone found some twenty years ago in Southington. One face 
is of light gritty sandstone, the other of a smooth red shale almost slate. 
It is fully seventeen inches long, thirteen inches wide, and less than one 
inch thick. Its great size precludes any useful purpose. We must 
believe that some figure was painted on its smooth face, and that it was 
used as a banner stone. Yet it may have been a totem. When shown 
to Prof. Otis T. Mason, the curator of ethnology of the National Museum, 
he told the writer that he knew of but two such objects, both being in 
Washington. They were much smaller, and came from the Apache 
country. 

It opens a curious conjecture what the occurrence in so widely 
separated districts of such singular stones may mean, more especially 
when we consider that the Tunxaaand Apache. Indians probably represent 
different phylogenetic steins. 



100 



BRISTOL, CO.N'N'ECTICUT 





X 




GORGETS AXD PEXDANTS 



THE RELIGIOUS IDEA AMOXG THE ALGOXKIXS. 



It is not the scope of this paper to discuss the moral and rehgious 
life of our Indians. But a better appreciation of certain objects may 
be obtained by a slight glimpse into the workings of the later Indian's 
mind. Dr. Daniel Brinton^ has published a learned book upon Indian 
myths and religious traditions. Gushing^ is also publishing a singular 
attem]3t at describing the ancient Zunian system of religious ceremonials. 
The' e works give us the remaining opinions of the higher minds, among 
the Indians and their traditions. It seems hardly probable that tie 
common people comprehended what gliinpses of ethical or cosmic truths 
nn'ght underlie their myths or ceremonials. For instance, the great 
divinity among the Algonkin people was Michabo — the great white 
rabbit. This word was compounded from michi (great) and ivabos. 
the Httle grey rabbit of our woods. Now the. .Algonkin root word for 
white was wab. Dialectic forms occur, as waupan, the morning; waubon. 
the east, the dawn. The name michabo probably was really the great 
white dawn, the creating light, the morning and sunlight, which was a 
common form of Nature God among many people. But the Indian, 
confused by the similarity of the root form of the words, degraded the 
conception to a big white rabbit and made this nonsensical being his god.* 
Such misconceptions are not unknown in modern religious cults. Having 
no real monotheistic conceptions the Indian supplicated such local 
superstitions as his fancy feared or hoped to. bribe. Brinton*. gives 
an Algonkin' prayer overheard by the Jesuit Breboeuf, anterior to 1636: 
"Oki thou who dwellest in this spot I ofTer thee tobacco. Help us; 
save us from shipwrecks; defend us from our enemies; give us, good 
trade; bring us back safe to the village." This contains no moral 
drinciple; recognizes no relation above that of barter. 



1. Myths of the New World. Phil., 1896. 

2. 1.3th Annual Report, Bureavi of Elbiml 
:i. Brinton, Ibid, p. 19(5. 

4. Ibid, p. 3.39. 

."). The historic Tunxaifs were of Algonkin stock 



V. -^bini't.'n. 



NEW rAMBRIDCH 




The Indian gave tobacco in exchange for that whicli he thought 
that the invisible could yield to or deny him And yet is not this even 
a higher standard than that of some of our modern sagamores of trade 
who seek to bribe the demiurge of legislation for power to prey upon 
their fellowmen? Those ceremonial relations that grew out of the eti- 
ciuette of contact, or which were woven around the individual by tribal 
conservatism, modified by and intermingled with a belief in the incan- 
tations and coniurations of the Shamans, bounded the religious horizons 
of the common Indian. The Shamans or Pow-wows were the priests 
among the Indians; also the iugglers, nature-doctors, rain-makers and 
witch-finders. Incapable of comprehending the phenomena of nature, 
he lived in a superstitious fear. of unseen influences and sought to pro- 
pitiate or deceive the forces that he supposed were behind them. But 
it is nowhere shown that he w^orshipped devils, any more than that Saul 
worshipped a devil when he besought the witch at Endor. Yet, even 
if certain esoteric truths may have been conveyed along the centuries 
through the initiations of those secret societies which seem the common 
propertv of a certain stage of savagedom, they seemed to have exercised 
no ennobling power over the individual.* He was hopelessly entangled 
amid the meshes of an hundred ancient remembrances and customs 
whose beginnings and causations had been lost in the mist of ages, but 
whose power to enthrall him grew ever stronger with the procession of 
the years. We are irresistibly led to the conclusion that among the 
red men the religious idea had become completely submerged in the 
ceremonial. The spontaneity of the individual had been lost in a debasing 
web of ceremonial communism. Their myths indeed re:nained like 
those shining planets which science teaches us are dead and yet nighth' 
parade the glittering but soulless shadows of once life-sustaining orbs. 
Communism invaded every walk of the Indian's life. Whatever he 
possessed, it forced him to share with others, f although among some 
tribes horses and probably arms and personal adornments belonged to 
individuals, male and female owning their own implements. The 
land, however, was held in common. When he died his cjhiefest pos- 
sessions were commonly destroyed at his burial. His wife and children 
were usually left nothing. Religion demanded prolonged and shameful 
mourning among many tribes for the poor woman whose husband had 
departed for the happy hunting grounds. In every direction he seems 
to have been compassed about with customs that he dare not violate 
and yet which forbade the possibility of individual progress beyond fixed 
lines^ hence everywhere we found the Indians a degenerating- people. 

,.;.i * Vide Churchill, Pop. Scie. Mon., Dec. 181)0, "The Duk Duk Ceremonies." 
t See Lucian Carr, Antiquarian for 1897, pape 92. 



108 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




AMULETS AND BANNER STONES. 



A civilization blasted in its generous youth by the deathly germ of 
socialism, its age ever "looking backward" into the night of tradition, 
the future of the Indian had no hopes of ultimate amelioration. His 
highest efforts at civilization could not escape the ban of socialism. 
The priestly classes who ruled Mexico and Peru maintained the most 
elaborate forms of prohibitions and debasing paternalisms, ever the 
obverse sides of socialism. 

All mankind, be it red, black or white, dream of an Arcadia where 
labor is not needed and selfishness unknown. The modern followers 
of Balaam, cursing at -^resent progress, point to this golden age in a 
communal past. But the finger of investigation, ever delving deeper 
into the mysteries of the ages, always finds the golden age of socialism 
receding yet deeper into the elusive obscurity of the past. Along the 
centuries time has printed the immutable law of evolution. It is in 
the liberty to variation and the guaranteed integrity of the individual 
effort that progress plants her seeds. Whatever unduly restrains the 
individual under the bonds of a forced uniformity ultimately blights 
the whole collection of individuals. Such Aryan people as cast off 
socialistic communism progressed. The Indian retaining communism 
sank ever deeper in its hopeless enmeshments. 

An interesting treatise might be elaborated upon this subject, but 
to our present purpose it limits itself to the uses of tobacco, the occurrence 
of images and totemism. The manner in which the religious idea was 
undoubtedly connected with the ceremonial objects just described is 
at'present too much involved in obscurity for any description. Regarding 
images Dr. Brinton says, "Idols of stone, wood or baked clay were found 
in every Indian tribe without exception so far as I know."* We must 
not conclude from this that idols were largely venerated among the 
half-nomadic Connecticut aborigines. And we should hesitate to be- 
lieve that such images as have been found represented any fixed attri- 
butes or definite divine qualities, as they seem to have done in Mexico. 
In the Western States very many curious pieces of pottery representing 



*.My-ths of the New W.prld, p. 343. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



109 



often old hunchbacked squaws are found among the mounds and called 
idol mugs. In the middle South, stone and clay images and heads occur. 
For the curious we insert a clay image, fig. 42, with the peculiar flat face 
seen upon the larger idols in stone, and a stone head, fig. 43, which we 
consider as very ancient, both from Nagooche, Ga., and never previously 
illustrated. The student will find a very ancient and probably pre- 
aztecan idol in the Bristol Museum, found in Central America. The 
writer possesses a quartzite mealing stone, or round pestle from Farm- 
ington which has been elaborately worked into a perfect shape, whose 
upper face shows a bird plainly scratched out, but not suitable for pho- 




FIGURE 41. 

tographing. We also show in fig. 44 a singular flat head exhumed on 
Union Hill, Bristol, some ten years ago. This is the only representation 
of a human head, we have ever known from this valley, except some 
pipes, which are obviously intrusive and apparently of post-Columbian 
Cherokee manufacture. 

TOTEMS. 

Among all peoples we find individuals or families with aninial 
names, and among some remain behefs or traditions which associate 
these people with animal ancestors. The ancient Jews possessed these 
Totemic animal names,* which was one among the many singular re- 
semblances of rites and customs that led many theoretical writers to 



* "Israelite and Indian," by Garrick Mallory, Pop. Scie. Mon., 1889— Nov. and Dec. 



110 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

consider the Indians as the veritable lost ten tribes of Israel.f We 
now recognize that such resemblances do not indicate any necessary 
blood relationship or previovis intercommunication, but that similar 
mental states when meeting similar environinental conditions develop 
similar expedients. It is hardly probable that the Indian actually 
believed himself to have descended froin any brute such as he saw about 
him, but rather from some transcendant and spiritual animal, which 
possibly he may have considered as a common ancestor of both himself 
and his animal namesake. Among some tribes a belief was said to 
have prevailed that at death they would return into their totemic animal, 
and probably some animals were held as sacred from this cause. It 
seems probable that all animal worship may have grown out of this 
-idea of metempsychosis allied with the veneration of ancestors. When 
an Indian found a natural object which he believed to resemble his 
supposed totemic ancestor he was led to venerate it, either as a reminder 
of his ancestral form, or perhaps as the veritable abode of the ancestral 
spirit, for the Indian in his ignorance of nature's laws was not troubled 
to explain the manner of things. The local Manitos we read about 
were often doubtless these totems, while others represented the mys- 
terious forces of nature, as the noises at Moodus. We are able to present 
a fine totemic image of a duck which was found on the Indian trail that 
ran from Bristol to Burlington. It is now in the cabinet of W. C. Richards 
at Bristol, a venerable and respected relic. [See frontispiece.] 

TOBACCO AND PIPES. 

To elaborate the use of tobacco alone would be more than sufficient 
to occupy all our allotted space. A great deal has been written upon 
it since the time when the earlier visitors from Europe were amazed 
upon seeing smoke pouring out from the nostrils of the naked Indians. 
Amid much that has been fancifully written about tobacco we may 
safely reach a few conclusions. The Indians believed the smoke to 
be agreeable to his invisible gods, and wafted it to them as an incense. 
He seems nearly everyAvhere to have connected the cardinal points 
with his creating spirits and to have wafted smoke to the four quarters 
of the horizon as well as to the east at sunrise. In the more agricultural 
sections where a sedentary population had bred up more elaborate cere- 
monies the pollen of maize was used as a holy sprinkling, or emblem of 
fructification. Large pipes with long stems gaily painted and elaborately 
adorned with the heads, and more especially the wings of birds, were 
used by heralds and other travelers as passports or safe permits when 
approaching strange tribes. Treaties of peace or alliance and all social 
compacts seem to have been ratified and sealed, so to speak, by the 
general successive smoking among the contracting parties of one of 
these pipes. War is also said to have been proclaimed bv sending a 
red pipe adorned with red feathers. Says the Jesuit Charlevoix:* 
"The custom is to smoke the calumet when you accept it, and perhaps 
there is no instance where the agreement has been violated which was 
made by this acceptation. To smoke in the same pipe, therefore, in 
token of alliance, is the same thing as to drink in the same cup, as has 
been practiced at all times by many nations." We have no calumet 
pipes from this section, but illustrate a noble specimen from Nagooche, 
Ga.. fig. 45. What would we not give could it only tell us the story 
of all the lips that have pressed it. Among all j^eoples where the social 
compact has not yet acquired the force of definite and general laws 
and an efficient police, we find these singular substitutes, which stand 
to our laws as do hieroglyphics to our modern alphabets. The cities of 
refuge among the Semitic nations, the eating of salt among the Bedouin, 
blood brotherhood among the African, taboos in Australa.sia, and church 
sanctuary in mediaeval Europe, seem various ways of attaining a common 
idea Yet it remains probable that the Indian ordinarily had nothing 



t See "Peruvian Antiqttities." Von Tschudi, pp. cS to 12. New York, 18.55. 
* "Voyage to America," Vol. I. page l.SO. Dublin, 1766. 



XliW CAM BRIDGE. 



11 1 





more than a sensual lo\-e ior its narcotic qualities in using tobacco. It 
gave him dreams, and dreams are ever the cherished inentor of the 
savage, and assisted him in acciuiring the frenzy necessary to incanta- 
tion and prophecv. The pipes which have been found in this section 
all differ one from another, so that we cannot assign to any the honor 
of being a local form. In the American Museum of New York is a 
magnificent greenstone calumet pipe from near Middletown, Conn., of 
the platform type, which has been called the mound-builder's pipe. 
Fig. 46 shows a pipe of steatite with a long stem, resembling a modern 
briar pipe. At the union of bowl with stem is a hole which has been 
luted with cement, a common Indian expedient rendering it easy to 
clean. Found in Plainville it represents a type thought by some to be 
common to the dreaded Mohawks. Fig. 47 m shows a very peculiar 
and elaboratelv carved pipe of black slate found on the west mountain 
of Southington. It has a hole in the rim of the bowl for suspension. 
It resembles a raven. In the Algonkin myth of the deluge the raven 
took the place of the Jewish dove. This pipe also reminds one of the 
thunder bird of the Vancouver Indians. In fig. 48 we present a pipe made 
of red sandstone, the mate of which we have never seen. The superb 
collection of Commodore Douglass in New York contains nothing like 
it. It is certainly genuine, and was dug up in Bristol about ten years 
ago. Fig. 49 shows a small steatite pipe also found near Bristol. A 
potterv pipe was shown in the April paper. Several other pipes have 
been found in this valley. Such as the writer has seen are manifestly 
intrusive, and not prehistoric. Among them is one genuine Haidah 
black pipe and several green slate pipes from the C'herokee artisans. 

We now turn to the red man's art as we find it embalmed in his 
offensive and defensive weapons. We believe the primitive man was 
by choice an eater of meat, although made by his oft necessities, omnivo- 
rous. We are led more closely to this opinion from the l)elief which 
grows upon us that all our edible grains and fruits have been modified 
toward perfection by man, even by this naked .savage man, from prim- 
itive forms not capable of sustaining human life. As they journeyed 
and jostled together along the slow and rugged course of evolution, 
man gave such plants as were useful to him his protection, and they 



112 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



returned his care with an ever increasing harvest. It \vas also the spirit 
of primitive man to be cruel, for was not all nature cruel and pitiless 
unto him? He recognized nothing of that pity of our modem concep- 
tions of the brotherhood of life, and having the universal instinct of 
savageism which considers all mankind without the pale of its own clan 
as an enemy, war was, if not his pastime, at least his frequent necessity. 
Hence we find the highest development of his skill in those weapons 
devoted to the destruction of life, and in the manufacture and adorn- 
ment of those cereiTionial objects whose functions were closely interwoven 
with the pomp and panOlpy of war. It is our privilege today as at no 
other known epoch of the world's history to attempt a review of a people 
in their entirety. To seek man out ere he was able to record his achieve- 
ments and to follow him where his deeds were no longer worth recording. 
The Indian lived in the present, forgetful of his true past, and knowing 
nothing of his future beyond those unanswering fears and fancies which 
attend both the weakness of infancy and the decrepitude of age. But 
we may view him from the swaddling clothes of the primitive troglodyte, 
throvigh the robust adolescence of invention, to the miserable senility 
that closed his epoch. It is this priceless privilege of forcing from the 
past a mental biograph of the progress of mankind and his inventions 
which contributes the truest zest in our study of man. . 

The bow and arrow of the Indian furnished his most effectual weapon, 
both in war and chase, to which he added for closer thrusting the spear 
or lance and the knife or dagger. These arrows and spears, while some- 
times headed with bone or wood and canes tempered hard by heating 
in a tire, were mostly tipped with points of chipped stone. -In the 




FIG. 50 IS PROBABLY A FLAKER. FIGS. 51 ARCHAIC FORMS OF ARROWS. 




vT^ ^3 . S-^. ''O. 



ARROW POINTS. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



113 



"Story of the Pilgrim Fathers," by Arber, 1S97, page 432, we tind the 
following in "Governor Bradford's Relation," which was printed in 1622, 
referring to the first conflict with the Indians: "We took up IS of their 
arrows, which we sent to England by Master Jones (of the Mayflower) : 
some whereoff were headed with brass, others with hart's horns and others 
with eagle's claws." Not a word spoken of stone heads. Some modern 
archaeologists are beginning to believe that our historic Indians made 
none of such weapons as we now find. In the first interview with Sam- 
oset, we read, "He had a bow with three arrows, one headed and two 
unheaded." I find no mention in stone arrow points in use, in the 
Relations of Governor Bradford. Hence it is that we find the art of 
stone chipping, which we have classed as the eldest of his inventions' 
ultimately carried by the Indian to the highest point of perfection. 
The bows themselves that gave the Tunxan arrows force have turned 
to dust along with the amis that drew them; the shafts of the spear 
and arrow have melted in the pitiless crucible of nature. But the stones 
that gave them their cruel effectiveness remain, eloquent witnesses of 
their fabricators' skill. When we handle these beautiful objects of 
inanimate stone, we feel speaking from them an epitoine of the Indian's 
civilization. When we compare the rude and almost formless figurines 
taken from the earlv tombs of Asia Minor with the finished works of a 




FIGS 54. ROCK CRYST.\L POINTS. FiGS. 55. MINUTE POINTS. 





114 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Phidias we may compass the evolution of Grecian art.* So here we 
find entombed the fruits of the entire evolution of the red man's art 
in chipping in stone. From the tiinid and uncertain blows of the pale- 
olithic savage, step by step the acquired skill of assured art was imper- 
ceptibly welded with the conscious hand, until we behold here such results 
as the white man with all his tools has nowhere been able to imitate. 
Stone chipping is now believed to be a lost art. The ethnologists of 
the Smithsonian Institute have never found an artisan who, even when 
supplied with all the tools of modem art, was able to imitate some of 
the leaf-shaped implements of prehistoric man. And the most skilful 
of the flint knappers of Brandon, England, men whose occupation is 
making gun flints also failed after months of efifort to produce the forms 
made by a savage whose only tools were stones and bones. 

(' . It is not certainly known how the Indian made these arrow points, 
■working such a brittle material as white quartz into the exquisite forms 
here portrayed. It is the general belief that chert jasper slate and 
quartz cobbles were first split into narrow flakes with stone hammers. 
Possibly they were heated in pits and split by cooling suddenly with 
water. Partly made implements were often buried in considerable 
quantities. It is supposed that these stones were thus softened and 
rendered more tractable. Such a cache was found some years ago near 
Hadley, Mass., containing sixty arrow and spear blocks. These blocks 
are so old that they were turned to an ashy white, they resemble the 
St. Acheul blocks in shape and coarse chipping. The flakes were gradu- 
ally chipped down into shape with the little knockers. When the stone 
had thus been partly outlined, it was finished by another process. Either 
some hard object as stone, bone or horn was used as a chisel driven 
by a hajnmer to force off little flakes from either side alternately, or the 
so-called flakersf were used to push sviddenly against the arrow, being 
worked from alternate sides, each impulsion of the tool taking off a 
little splinter opposite the pc^int of impact. Various arrow flakers 
have been found among surviving savages. The only tool resembling 
these from this section that we have seen is shown in fig. 50. which 



* Vide De Cesnola Collection of Central Park, New York. 
+ See figs, 1.5 and 16. 





OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



115 



resembles the alleged bone flakers from the prehistoric cemetery of 
Madisonville, Ohio. We are able to conceive no other use for the above 
implement. Skillful men in all tribes where suitable materials were 
obtainable seem to have made a business of arrow chipping, and it is 
known that points were sent in Isarter to great distances from the places 
where they were fabricated. Some twenty-five years ago a cache of 
perfect jasper arrow points was found near Compounce containing 
seventy-eight fine specimens. 

These chipped implements divide natvirally into two orders, those 
notched or tanged for attachment to a shaft, and those with no per- 
ceptible arrangenient for hafting. By general consent archaeologists 
separate them into three divisions — arrow points, usually under two 
inches in length; spear points, two inches and upward, and knives. The 
arrow point differentiates into the drill, the bunter, and the tanged 
knife or scraper, as shown in our first articles. We shall here consider 
only those forms used in war and chase. Space forbids a consideration 
of the many curious forms, and speculations upon the manner of their 
development from some presumably primitive ideal. The inquiring 
reader will find the general type forms carefully worked out in a recent 
monograph by Mr. Gerard Fowkes.* A glance at the forms here illus- 
trated will readily convince the student that no one people had .a monopoly 
of arrow forms, as we can show here every type of Mr. Fowkes except 
the long lozenged shape tang which we find from Arkansas and Miss- 
issippi. Anyone familiar with large collections of arrow points learns 
to distinguish certain peculiarities of finish and material by which the 
probable source of any individual point may be guessed. There is a 
distinct individuality which distinguishes the fossi chert points of Florida 
from the same colored type of Wisconsin. The white quartz of Con- 
necticut are easily separable from those of Virginia or Carolina. Yet 
this shows more in the material and the way it takes a finish than in the 
skill of the artisan. If there is any form more 
common than others in this region, we think it is 
the small points of white cjuartz. Upon some work- 
shops, notably at Compounce, nearly all are found 
of this substance and upon the near mountain may 
be seen the veins and pits from which the Indian 
has pounded out his material. Also red sand- 
stone and shale seem to have been largely used, 
as they are the most abundant of our work- 
able stones; very many decayed fragments are 
found in every considerable workshop. If the 
writer were to express an opinion as to the 
more ancient forms in this valley, it would be for 
the type here illustrated, fig. 51, of which many 
are found so very old that all trace of the 
chipping has been eroded, and they look as 
though they had been rubbed into shape. Most 
of the forms occur universally, but occasionally 
local workshops are found with nearly all the 
points of one type, notably in Granby, where all 
the specimens are triangular; figs. 52. In one 
place in Farmington were found a number of 
very rude arrows of an intractable metal which 
may be very old; we have seen nothing like them 
elsewhere, either in shape or material; figs. 53. 
Basanite and red and yellow jasper pebbles were 
found in the bed of the Farmington and made 
into beautiful forms. Argillite occurs in older 
types. Also some exceedingly beautiful points 
are found of the clearest rock crystal, equal to 
anything from North Carolina, fig. 54. Many 
arrows occur in materials of whose source we 
know nothing. 




FIGURE 62. 



* 13th Annual Report, Bvireaii of Ethnology. 



116 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Arrows have been divided into war points and hunting points, the 
former inserted into the shaft so loosely that when the shaft was pulled 
out the head would remain in the wound; such a wound would be very 
serious in Indian surgery. While those styled hunting arrows are 
notched or tanged so as to secure firm attachment to the shaft and be 
easily recovered by cutting the dead animal. It is also possible that 
some of the smallest points were used in a blow tube made of a hollow 
reed. In such cases the point was probably poisoned. Venomous 
serpents were made to bite raw flesh, and when this had become partly 
putrescent the arrows were thrust into it and made highly poisonous. 
Fig. 55 shows these minute points from this valley. Fig. 56 shows 
eight war points of various shapes. Fig. 57 is a'very curious shaped tanged 
point. Fig. 58 is a beautiful object of smoky quartz. Fig. 59 is of smoky 
quartz, and may have been a knife; it has sharp edges. Fig. 60 has 
serrated points with long barbs and a deeply notched tang, a rare and 
beautiful object in greenish stone. Fig. 61 is bevelled off on opposite 
sides like a reamer. 

Many other forms are illustrated, which our space forbids us to 
classify. 

THE SPEAR OR LANCE. 

The spear was made both for war and chase, and used also for 
fishing. The long slender points are commonly called fish spears, but 
the writer has not found them as often on the banks of brooks as on the 
uplands. Spears represent some of our most beautiful objects of the 
Indian's handicraft. We believe that many were used for diverse pur- 
poses of which we know little. The spear is usually tanged for hafting 
similarly to the hunting arrow and was probably attached in the same 
manner. In tig. 62 we present a marvelous implement of black chert 
from Southington, fovirteen inches long, and a small part, probably 
two inches, has been broken off and lost from one end. This tool has 
that peculiar elongated diamond shape which may be noticed in some 
large obsidian implements from Mexico, called sacrificial knives. Some 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 117 

twelve years ago we saw two similar implements in white chert at Palatka, 
Fla., which were unfortunately lost in the great tire a few years later. 
The occurrence of such aberrant types of implements in such diverse 
regions opens many conjectures. We illustrate nine typical spears. 
Fig. 63 is an immense leaf-shaped blade of yellow slate from Plainville. 
This is our rarest form. It is probable that some of the leaf-shaped 
implements were intended to be finished in this shape. Figs. 64 and 
65, beautiful black chert, Bristol. Fig. 66, fine arrow-shaped spear, 
Farmingt(5n. Fig. 67, red jasper, Plainville. Fig. 68, magnificent w-hite 
spear, almost like noracuhte, from Granby. Fig. 69, red sandstone, 
Bristol. Fig. 70, large awl-shaped spear, from Bristol. 

We know nothing how the shafts of these spears were made, and 
possessing neither spear nor arrow shafts or bows from this region, shall 
not attenipt to discuss their forms. Those interested in the subject 
of Indian bows should read the splendid monogxaph of Prof. Mason.* 

KNIVES AND DAGGERS. 

The earlier explorers of America, especially those who touched 
along the coast of Florida, described the Indians as using knives of 
shells with which they cruelly cut and mangled their victims. It is 
probable that similar implements were used by all Indians dwelling 
near the seas, but none have come down to us from this section. We 
also believe that very many of the sharp points which we class as arrow 
heads, were inserted into split wooden handles, securely fastened with 
fibres, glue or pitch, and used as knives. 

It is also more than probable that some of our long slender spears 
were used with very short handles as daggers. In tig. 71 is given an 
ideal restoration of a fine red jasper knife from Farmington, which would 
serve equally for a scalping knife or a dagger. In figs. 72, 73, 74, we show 
three typical forms. Fig. 75 is a curious implement which both curves 
on the edge and bends sideways upon itself. 

In fig. 80, from Granby, is a magnificent specimen of the leaf-shaped 
implement which represents the highest perfection of the art of stone 
chipping. Made of a fine yellow chert, it is absolutely perfect in all 
directions. Near the edge of the broad end is a crystal that sparkles 
like a nest of diamonds. This tool was dug up from apparently un- 
disturbed gravel in digging a well six feet below the surface. It is be- 
lieved that many of these leaf-shaped tools were wrapped in pieces of 
fur or rawhide for handles and used as daggers. Fig. 81 is a beautiful 
chert dagger from Bristol. 

We have shown what vestiges of the prehistoric man have come 
down to us. There yet remain many articles which undoubtedly are 
Indian^notably a fine canoe found at' Plainville, and now in the Bristol 
Historical rooms. There is also a large stone mortar which tradition 
associates with an old Indian who gave his name to Chippen's Hill in 
Bristol, and the traditionally historic cave dwelling of one Compounce, 
whose name lingers in the beautiful glacial lakelet that he owned. But 
the writer intended only a description of prehistoric remains. There 
are many graves in Farmington of unknowai age. On the highway, 
from Bristol to Burlington, in the edge of Edgewood, there is a hill of 
glacial debris that rests upon stratified gravel. On this hillside have 
been seen low mounds which were undoubtedly artificial, and which had 
not been constructed since the white man settled in Bristol. Of this, 
the owner of the adjoining land, Mr. Jerome, is sure. Some years ago, 
Mr. William Richards and the writer met Mr. Jerome and dug into one 
*of these mounds. Digging down abovit two feet through soil that showed 
plainly marks of previous disturbance, we came to a level floor made of 
round' cobble stones, perhaps three feet long by two in width. When 
these stones were removed, we found yet another layer beneath, which 



* "North American Bows and Arrows." by Otis T. Mason, Smithsonian Report. 
1893, p. 631. et Seq. 



118 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



showed plain evidence of a severe heating . Between the two layers of 
stone was an inch or more of charcoal. The lower floor rested upon 
vmdisturbed and stratified gravel. No tool of any kind was found. A 
specimen of the charcoal was sent to Washington, but the Government 
microscopist found no evidence of animal matter in it. The nature of 
the pits or altars, or whatever they may have been, remains a mystery. 

The preparation of these papers has been a labor of love to the 
writer, in hoping to help rescue from oblivion some few remaining ves- 
tiges of those who once roamed these valleys in their pristine beauty; 
if he thus helps to hinder their further dispersion, he has his full reward. 

We, in all the pride of our higher civilization, owe it to the memory 
of these races, whose very savageism kept the hills and dales of America 
a rich and virgin soil that we might wax strong upon them. They 
gave untold centuries to the development of the maize from a wild 
grass of Florida, those golden grains that are richer to us than all the 
golden cliffs of the Rockies. Let us then garner into museums those 
vestiges that yet remain. Time, ever envious of the sole perogative 
of immortality, seeks their sure effacement. The earth and air wage 
unrelenting warfare for the destruction of these unprotesting witnesses 
of a vanished people. In their history as left us in these stones, silent 
no longer to those who interrogate them aright we may read the story 
of our own ancestral struggle in the long, dark, awful night which left 
no verbal record. The winged spirit of thought goes backward into 
those prehistoric, abysmal depths, and shows us the sure origin, both 
of what remains to us of savage instincts and that tenacious, ever up- 
ward, aspiring spirit which through invention seeks the mastery of 
nature 




( 




KNIVES .\XD D.'VGGERS. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



119 





Bronze Medal awarded to Dr. F. II. Williams, at C'hicago, 18it3 
(designed by August St. Gaudens). 



120 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



A SUPPLEMENTAL NOTE BY THE EDITOR. 



Dr. "Williams exhibited his collection of aboriginal relics at the 
Columbian International Exhibition in Chicago, in 1893, and received 
a bronze medal for his exhibit. This is very beautiful, and we illustrate 
it, full size. The diploma accompanying the award is worded in the 
following strong manner, and should be a matter of local pride. 

jfreDericft lb. IQilliams, :fl3rlBtol, Connecticut. 
Bjbibit— ancient Stone IFmplenients trom SSristol, Connecticut. 

BwarO— ^bi6 collection well represents an ancient village site, 
in tbe town of :firi6tol, Connecticut, fit is carefully arrange?), anD 
sbows clearl\> a majority? of tbe implements wbicb were useD in tbis 
village ; tbese are intelligently gatbereD, an^ carefully? eibibiteD, of 
bistoric value, anD tbe seal sbown in tbe effort maOe to collect anD 
present tbese objects is wortbv of imitation in otber localities. 

The following illustrations have been made from specimens in 
Dr. Williams' collection since the preceding article was written, and 
are shown because they are of much interest in connection with the 
subject. The editor can think of nothing that could be said in this work 
that would afford him such genuine pleasure as to be able to here in- 
form the citizens of Bristol that Dr. Williams has made arrangements 
to give his unique and most valuable collection of prehistoric relics to 
the Town of Bristol, and that it is to be placed in the Public Library, 
when the building is completed. Probably a more comprehensive 
collection does not exist outside of our largest museums, and it is doubt- 
ful if there is a collection anywhere that will afford the student such 
an opportunity for the study of the habits of the American Aborigine, 
for Dr. Williams made his collection Avith this object in view. Cer- 
tainly Bristol is to^be congratulated upon this valuable acquisition to 
its Public Library," and we feel honored to be allowed to announce Dr. 
Williams' valuable gift at this ti:ne. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



121 




A CORNER IN ONE OF DR. WILLIAMS CABINETS 




A. — Implements used in working Bristol Soapstone yuarncs, Vjy 
the Indians. B. — Fragments of vessels found on Federal Hill. C. — 
Unfinished dish, and a soapstone roller, like a pestle. D. — Very large 
dii^'h from Terrrville. (All about one seventh natural size.) 



122 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




G 



H 



E. — A chipped quartzite tomahawk, Rare. F. — Axe, from Com- 
pounce. G. — Rare form of hoe, from Farmington. H. — Woman's 
chipped knife, from Lewis' Corner, Bristol. (All about one fourth 
natural size.) 






■^^^ 




I. — Pipe found in Soiithini^ton. This is Haidah Indian work of the 
northwest coast. Probably a relic of aboriginal intertraffic. J. — Fine 
pit stones, from Bristol. K. — A so-called anvil. L. — A pit stone or 
anvil of soapstone. (All about one fifth natural size.) 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



123 




VARIOUS FORMS OF INDIAN WAMPL'M OR MONEY, 

Beads of various forms were in use among the Indians for several 
purposes. They were made from stone, clay and shells. The shells 
were sometimes those having natural holes as some from California. 
Bones and teeth were also made into strings of beads for ornamental 
purposes. Nos. 4, 9, 10, 11, 14 of the figures were so-called, wampvmi, 
or money beads, and were made from clam shells. The different parts 
of the large clams, having different colors, making different values. 
The purple beads being the highest values. Xo. 13 of the figure represent 
ornamental beads. Xos. 1. 2, o, 5, 6 and 7 are beads made from larger 
parts of the central columns of conch shells, used for ornament. 

No. 2 is a very large bead from the great n-.ound that used to stand 
opposite St. Louis, on the east side of Mississippi River. Xo. 8 is made 
from bones. Xo. 12 is made from a bear's tooth. 

The finer kind of wampum beads was used to form the wampum 
belts, which were used in all great ceremonies, and which conveyed to 
the initiated historical facts for immemorial remembrance. 



124 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 






FLAKED SCRAPERS FROM LICKING CO , OHIO. 

Showing the "conchoidal fracture" (see page 86). 




This head of death is from Mexico, and is said to be the emblem of 
Death in the pictography of the Aztec people. Representations of 
the gods of Mexico, both the great gods and the small local divinities, 
which answer to the saints of modern liturgical cults, seem to have 
been made commonly in clay. Along with these are many evidently 
grotesque figures, the signification of which we do not know. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



125 



The Story of Fall Mountain 



By Milo Leon Norton 

THE tirst settler of what may be called Fall Mountain, though 
the site of the hovise is a few rods east of the district line, was 
Edward Gaylord, of Wallingford, whose house stood in the 
open field a little south and west of the cabin occupied by Nel- 
son Decker, on land now owned by Eliada S. Tuttle, and which was 
known to the residents of the vicinity a generation ago, as the Gaylord 
orchard. Only two or three of the original trees of the old orchard 
now remain, and they have attained to a great size and venerable ap- 
pearance. 

Mr. Gaylord had a family of sturdy sons who became mighty hun- 
ters, and tillers of the soil, some of whom, and others of the name, settled 
on the heights to the southwest of the old homestead. Benjamin Gay- 
lord settled on the place known as the Bamum farm, now owned by 
F. H. Wood; John Gaylord lived where William Fenn now lives; Elijah 
Gaylord built a small house farther up the road toward the Cedar Swamp 
reservoir, where the cellar may be seen, just north of the house built 
by James Scarrett; Samuel Gaylord built in the lot adjoining the Cedar 
Swamp reservoir, nearly opposite Indian Rock; a daughter, Lucy 
married Alpheus Bradley, a carpenter, who built the house occupied by 




)R FALL MDrxrAIX SCHOOL, DISTRICT NO. 



126 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 







THE JESSE GAVLORD HOMESTEAD, FROM A SKETCH 

James Peckham; Jesse Gaylord built the large house which stood east 
of the Cedar Swamp, which was torn down about 1880. He was the 
hero of the tragedy resulting in the death of the Indian, Morgan, related 
in another chapter. About 1800, Elijah Gaylord moved from the house 
he built south of the Fehn place, to the Orrin Judson place, now owned 
by the Tymerson faniily. From him it came into the possession of his 
son, Elam, and from him to his daughter, Anna, who became the wife 
of Orrin Judson. The house vacated by Elijah Gaylord was sold to 
Luke Adams, removed to its present site, where it was the life-long 
home of his son, James Adams, familiarly known to his neighbors as 
Uncle Jimmy. 

The old-fashioned cider mill, which was housed under a shed south- 
west of the house, was an institution long to be remembered bj' the 
children of the district, whose delight it was to suck cider through a 
straw as it trickled from the cheese, made up in the old-fashioned way 
of pttmice and straw, and pressed out by long levers operating a huge 
wooden screw. To this mill the farmers of the region round about 
took their cider-apples in fall to be ground, doing the work themselves, 
arid leaving a certain proportion for the proprietor as toll. How many 
miles I traveled, when a boy, while riding on the long sweep, driving 
the old horse on the endless journey around the ring, while the apples 
were being crunched in the cogs of the mill beneath the hopper, I shall 
never know. But I do know that cider-making was an event in the 
annals of farm life in that period "before the war," which I shall always 
recall with pleasure. 

Luke Adams was a revolutionary soldier, and James was a soldier 
of the war of 1812. In his early married life "Uncle Jimmy" used to 
take his famih^ to church every Sunday in his ox-cart, cleanly swept 
for the purpose. He had a habit, which all who knew him will recollect, 
of constantly humming the old tune of Durham, 'when slowly plodding 
up the mountain, with his oxen, often with a load of cider-apples which 
he had bought snmewhere in the vilknje. Sometimes he would hire 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 127 

one of us boys to help him pick up apples; and I have picked up many 
bushels for him in orchards about town, where now are streets full of 
houses, and where electric lights are aglow at night, and where electric 
cars speed by in a manner which would have made his patient oxen 
stare m amazement. The honest old farmer was killed by the cars 
at the crossing then situated just east of the present railwav station, 
in 1871. 

The following poem, which I wrote abovit this old cider mill, and 
which I reproduce by courtesy of The Xcw England Farmer, may be of 
interest in this connection: 

THE CIDER MILL. 

Oh memory loveth ofttimes to recall 

The scenes that occurred in the sweet long ago. 

When the fruit-laden boughs of the orchard in fall, 
Their blessing of fruitage on man did bestow. 

White, golden and red, as they lay in the pile, 

Were the apples just garnered from under the trees. 

Where they ripened in Autumn's beneficent smile, 

And their nectar distilled for the wasps and the bees. 

And rapture was mine when the cart-body's rim 
Overflowed with the many-hued apples it bore; 

But my joy was completed when full to the brim, 
The cider-press channel with juices ran o'er. 

When I stood by that press with a straw in my moutla. 
As I sipped the sweet flood that abundantly fell, 

I was buoyant and flush with the vigor of youth — 
But now, 'tis a tale of the past that I tell. 

The mill and its owner have long passed away; 

No longer the apple-cart climbeth the hill; 
E'en the orchard itself has long gone to decay. 

And naught but their memory lingereth still. 

Yet sometimes at even, when sunset is red. 

And my routine of work for the day is complete. 

My thoughts will revert to a weather-worn shed. 
And the press and the cider, delicious and sweet. 

Fall mountain was made a school district in 1798, when the School 
Board defined its boundaries as follows: "Voted that the inhabitants 
living on Fall mountain, beginning at Bazaleel Bowen's, and extending 
to Chauncey Jerome's, including those from Capt. Jesse Gaylord's, Mr. 
Hinman's,* and including all in that quarter of the society as far as 
the lane that goes to Capt. Gaylord's orchard, be made into one school 
district, and be known by the name of Fall mountain district." 

Bazaleel Bowen lived in a house which stood near the Wolcott 
town line, a short distance south of the Andrew Rowe place on the 
east side of the road. He had two boys whose exploits have been handed 
down, so notorious were they, as examples of youthful depravity. Early 
in the last century, Nathan Tuttle kept a country store in a building 
that stood until recently, when it was destroyed by fire, on the corner 
at Indian Heaven, a locality lying on both sides of the Bristol-Plymovith 
town line, on the western boundary of the district. One of the tricks 
of the Bowen boys was the purchase of some article, whether gunpowder 
or tobaccQ^ I have forgotten, of Tuttle, for which they agreed to bring 
a certain number of ^ggs in payment. They then proceeded to rob a 
number of birds' nests, securing the required quantity, which they took 
to the corner store. The proprietor could not dispute that they were 



128 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



eggs, or that there had been no specification as to the kind of eggs which 
were to be brought, and was therefore obhged logically to cancel the 
indebtedness. But thereafter, under all circumstances, he was careful 
to specify that hens' eggs should be exchanged for his merchandise. 
It may seem surprising, but it is a fact, that many people from the 
village of Bristol, traveled all the way to Indian Heaven to do their 
trading. The Bowen fainily, much to the relief of the other residents 
of the Mountain, emigrated to Ohio, probably about 1830, together with 
several families from the vicinity, some of them travelling the entire 
distance with ox teams. 

Chauncey Jerome lived on the brow of the hill west of the residence 
of Mr. Dillon, formerly the Capt. Wooding place. There is no trace 
of the cellar remaining, but the house stood on the south side of the 
road, in an open field at that place. He was a tory during the revo- 
lution, and was so outsooken in his denunciation of the course of his 
patriot neighbors in rebelling against the authority of the English crown, 
that he was made the object of much persecution on the part of the 
"Sons of Liberty," as the patriots called themselves. The apple tree 
was standing until a few years ago, to a limb of which he was suspended 
by the thumbs, stripped to the waist, in order that he might receive a 
severe thrashing at the hands of the patriots. But being extremely agile 
in his motions, he managed to reach the ground with his toes, when 
he sprang up, liberated his thumbs from the cords that held them, and 
ran like a deer, pursued but not overtaken by his would-be disciplina- 
rians. The tree stood just back of the barn on the Barnum place before 
mentioned. He took refuge in the house of his brother-in-law, Jonathan 
Pond, who lived in the next house below his, just over the Plymouth 
line. Pond met the pursuers with a loaded gun and held them at bay 
until Jerome made good his escape. 

About 1760, Isaac Norton, of Durham, a descendant of Thomas 
Norton, one of the original settlers of Guilford, settled upon the summit 
of the mountain, on the site of what is now known as the Weeks' place. 




CURIOUS BOULDER NEAR CED.\R SW.\MP. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



129 





(1) RUINS OF THE LYMAN TUTTLE, JR. PLACE AT "INDIAN HEAVEN,' 
WHERE THE FIRST BAPTIST MEETINGS WERE HELD IN 1791 

From, photo taken by Milo Leon Norton. 

(2) CELLAR HOLE OF THE SAME IN 1907. 



130 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



The log house he built stood a little south of the Weeks' house, recently 
burned, a tamarack tree, at the foot of the garden, denoting the spot 
where the well may still be seen. He had a numerous family, some of 
whom moved to Norfolk, another to Westfield, Mass., while his sons 
Aaron and Joel remained in Bristol. Joel built the house still standing, 
south of the log cabin, where, at one time, he kept a tavern. Aaron 
built the old house opposite the home of Gideon Roberts, the pioneer 
of the American clock industry, in 1786. Both Aaron and Joel were 
soldiers of the Revolution, Aaron serving under that gallant leader. 
Col. Nodiah Hooker, of Farmington. He was a large land owner, hav- 
ing a tract of land extending from the old road west of A. T. Bunnell's 
to the Plymouth town line, near the Beecher Perkin's place, on the 
Waterburv road. He was my great grandfather, and upon a part of his 
immense landed estate my ancestral home was located. 

The neighborhood to which I have previously alkided, known as 
Indian Heaven, has a historical interest as being the birthplace of the 
Bristol Baptist Church. A small colony of Baptists, from new Haven 

and vicinity, settled in the vicinity, William Tuttle building on the 
cellar near the present club house, on the Plymouth side of the line; 
Joel Matthews building the house a short distance east, until within a 
few years the home of George William Matthews; Lyman Tuttle building 
a quarter mile west of the corner; Edmund Todd, Elam Todd and 
Truman Prince, also living in the neighborhood. It was in Mr. Todd's 
new barn, just north of the Tuttle homestead, on the Plymouth side 
of the line, on April 13, 1791, that the Bristol Baptist Church was organ- 
ized. Preaching services were held in this barn, and also in the Tuttle 
house, near the club house, before its completion; a part only of the 
chamber floor being laid, the preacher, Elder Daniel Wildman, of Dan- 
bury, standing on a joiner bench in the kitchen, could address his audi- 
ence seated upstairs and down. It was intended at first to build a 
• church in this vicinity, but afterward it was decided to build in the 
village of Bristol, Avhere the first Baptist church edifice was erected in 
1802. Not onlv was this a thrifty farming community, but maufactur- 



■^^ 




i,(H. I Aiil .\ A 



OR NKW CAMBRIDGE. 



131 



ing was also carried on at a two-story factory, the wheel-pit of which 
can still be seen just below the old dam, which was located a few rods 
below the dam of recent construction. Here wood turning was engaged 
in by the Tuttles, and afterward tack hammers were made by a firm 
in which Charles Swasey and Timothy Atwater were interested. This 
was in the forties. The shop was burned and was never rebuilt. Pre- 
vious to this Nathan Tiattle(2) carried on the manufacttire of coinbs in the 
building which he afterward enlarged and used as a store. Austin 
Sheldon, who married one of the Tuttle girls, also had a blacksmith 
shop opposite the Lyman Tuttle house, west of the Lucas Lane place. 
Lane also ran a shingle mil! for sawing ovit shingles, half a mile south 
ol Indian Heaven, as the crow flies, near the Castle Prince place, now 
maiked by old cellar holes. The life of Austin Sheldon, who was widely 
known as the Pennsylvania hermit, has about it'a tinge of sad romance. 
He had purchased a tract of land, without seeing it, in Lehman, Pa., 
and upon going there found it almost worthless. He was disposed to 
make the best of the situation, however, and to go there to live with 
his 3'oung wife, thinking that between farming and blacksmithing he 
could inake a comfortable living. But his wife's family persuaded her 
tc refuse to go with- him, and he lived there many years alone, in a cave, 
partly closed in with lumber, quite a distance from any human habita- 
tion. He was a gentle, inoffensive man, enjoying the society of the 
birds and animals about his forest home, which became very tame and 
sociable; and many children were welcomed to his cabin-cave as visitors. 
He attracted much attention from newspaper men and others, and be- 



WOLCOTT ST. 




(1) No. 5, Frank Wilder R, formerly the Edward Norton placer 
(2) No. 4, Mrs. L. Seisswcrt R, Wm. Litke R, formerly the Gordon 
Clark place; (3) No. 24, Joseph C. Russell O, formerly the John Sutliff 
place; (4) No. 35, George A. Rowe O, Edward O. Watrous R, Patrick J. 
Doyle R, formerly the Chandler Norton place; (5) No. 38, Roy Crittenden 
R, No. 40, Joseph F. Ryan R; (6) No. 48, Ernest T. Belden O, Mrs. 
EHzabeth Belden R; (7) No. 43, George H. Day O; (8) No. 51, James 
Hinchliff R; (9) No. 64, Noble Peck O, George W. Denny R. 



132 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



if" a 




1 


1 


1 






s^^tm,-^::^^^ 




^H 




Wm^'^^mm 


HhIM 


HK^ 





WITCH ROCK. 



came quite a noted hermit. He was always neatly dressed, and was 
•extremely neat and genteel in his habits. During his last days he was 
a frequent visitor in Bristol, where he had relatives. For many years 
he was very deaf. 

An awful tragedy occurred in New Haven, on Christmas, 1855, 
when Justus Matthews, a brother of George William and Henry N. 
Matthews, who was born in the Matthews home at Indian Heaven, 
was murdered by a sect of religious fanatics, known as the Wakemanites. 
It is one of the strangest tales that religious fanaticism is responsible 
for, showing to what lengths the religious devotee may be tempted to 
go. Rhoda Wakeman, the leader and founder of the sect, having, it is 
believed, murdered her husband, came to New Haven from Fairfield, 
and gathered a small company of believers about her, who accepted her 
statement that she had died and gone to heaven, where she had been 
commissioned by Jesus Christ to return to the earth to redeein mankind, 
or at least all who would listen to her. She professed to have power 
to kill and to raise the dead, to heal diseases, and to cast out devils. 
Justus Matthews, his wife and sister, and his sister's husband, all of 
Hamden, were ainong those who accepted the "Divine Messenger," 
as she was called. She professed that Justus had backslidden and had 
become the man of sin, it is thought because of a debt of three hundred 
dollars that she owed him, and which he thought should be secured. 
At any rate she impressed upon the little company the importance of 
having Justus put out of the way or she would die, and if she died the 
world would instantly be destroyed. This they firmly believed. Justus 
was sent for, and persuaded that it was his duty to be killed that the 
world might be saved. Sam. Sly, a half-witted fanatic, did the deed, 
after Matthews' own sister had tied his hands behind his back, and 
blindfolded him, "in the fear of the Lord." He was first beaten into 
insensibility by a club, and then his head was nearly severed from his 
body by a jackknife. The perpetrators were acquitted on the ground 
■of insanity, but were kept under restraint during the remainder of their 
lives. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



133 



In a pasture lot on the Barnum farm, which has always been known 
as the Cole lot, (3) directly north of the residence of Sereno Nichols, is a 
heap of moss-grown stones, near which stands one or two pear trees. 
This was the childhood home of Katherine Cole, wife of Aaron Gaylord, 
who was massacred with nearly all the settlers at Wyoming, Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1778. Katherine escaped with her children, and made her 
way back, through the forest, to her father's house. The house was 
destroyed by fire early in the last century, and upon the death of her 
father, Katherine went to live with her daughter in Burlington, where 
she ended her days. Another victim of that terrible tragedy was Elias 
Roberts, a neighbor of the Cole family, and father of Gideon, the clock 
maker. His widow, Fallah Roberts, made her way back to Bristol 
on foot, carrying her babe in her arms the entire distance. An old 
potato grater, which Fallah Roberts used in after years to make starch 
for the family, and to raise small amounts of pin money for her own use, 
is preserved in the collection of historic relics of Bristol. The process 
was a very simple one. The potatoes were grated to a pulp and then 
placed in a vessel of water, when the starch settled to the bottom, the 
residue was poured off and the starch dried, when it was ready for use. 

Fall Mountain is not without its traditions of witchcraft, which date 
back to the early years of the last century. Witch Rock, a short dis- 
tance above the schoolhouse, received its name from the story that 
whenever Elijah Gaylord drove his ox team down the hill past the rock, 
the cart tongue would drop to the ground, no matter how securely it 




(10) No. 78, T. B. Robinson O, John Streigle R, formerly the Lora 
Waters place; (11) No. 88, Samuel A. Hubbard R, Clarence B, Atkins 
O, formerly the Rufus Sanford place; (12) No 105, Mrs. John A. Bradley 
R; (13) No. 109, Charles T' Thrall O, formerly the Bud Sutliff place; 

(14) No. 115, E. R. Brightman R, formerly the Hezekiah Lewis place; 

(15) No. 118, George B. Evans O, Herbert L. Kern R; (16) No. 126, 
Edward W. Bradley O; (17) No. 136, Geo. H. Miles O; (18) No. 167, 
M. J. Rockwell O, Edward E. Andrew R, formerly the James Holt place. 



134 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 







£!?*■ 



/. 



.-;^.^ 




SITE OF KATHERINE GAYLORD HUiMESTEAD. 



was fastened. As it was reputed that he had in some manner incurred 
the ill will of Granby Olcott, as she was known, a reputed witch who 
lived in the adjoining town of Wolcott, it was supposed that she was the 
cause of the trouble. But a still more serious case was reported at the 
house of Joseph Byington, now occupied by J. H. Clemence. A young 
woman living there was grievously tormented, night after night, by 
having pins and needles stuck in her flesh by invisible hands. Seth 
Stiles was employed to watch with the afflicted girl, and as fast as the 
pins were inserted in her flesh he would draw them out and stick them 
in a silk handkerchief. When the pins ceased to be inserted in the 
human pin cushion, he held the handkerchief over the hot coals in the 
fireplace until the pins .became so hot as to burn themselves out of the 
cloth and to drop into the fire. She was never troubled afterward, but 
the witch suspected was found the next day, so it was reported, terribly 
burned. Another case bordering on the supernatural was reported and 
thoroughly believed by those who witnessed the phenomenon. In 1822, 
a woman named Stiles, who lived in the Gideon Roberts house, called 
one evening, at the home of my father, who was then nine years of age. 
Later in the evening her family heard groans outside the door, and 
found her in an unconscious state froin which she never rallied, but 
died soon after being taken into the house. Medical aid was summoned, 
but nothing could be done to relieve her. A postmortem examination 
revealed the fact that she had been assaulted and outraged by a number 
of fiends in hviman shape, the scene of the assault being traced to an 
orchard some distance north of my father's residence, in what has long 
been called the Bunker Hill lot, on the Barnum farm. That she had 
been carried from the orchard to her home was shown by her shoes 
having been removed and left under the trees, while her stockings were 
not soiled. The criminals were never detected. Some time afterwards, 
at night, when any one came up Peck Lane past the scene of the crinie, 
a light would appear, which would keep along abreast of the traveller, 
but inside of the fence, and when nearly out to the corner of the moun- 
tain road, it would turn eastward toward the deceased woman's home, 
and disappear. I have talked with one or two persons who solemnly 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



135 



declared they had seen this Hght, beside my father, who remembered 
it distinctly. The lane ceased to be used as a thoroughfare for some 
time afterward, by the timid, after nightfall. 

Joel Truesdell, who lived on the place afterward owned by the late 
Andrew R. Rowe, was a type of the old-time self-made American noble- 
man. Descended from an English farmer who had settled in the Mo- 
hawk country, he was the son of a seafaring man who lost liis all in a 
ship wreck, including his life from the freezing and exposure that he 
endured. The widow left with five small children to support had enough 
to look after, so the two oldest boys, James and Joel, started out from 
New London, their home, to seek their fortunes in the wide world. They 
drifted to Wolcott, but there the town officials much alarmed lest the 
boys should become public burdens, bade them move on. Bristol 
offered them a refuge, and here Joel spent the remainder of his long 
life. He purchased the Rowe farm in the southwest- corner of Bristol, 
working at his trade as a shoeinaker as well as at farming. His three 
sons settled in the west, but his two daughters married and remained 
in the vicinity, one of them becoming the wife of Seth Gaylord, and the 
other the wife of Ransell Brockett. He held various offices of trust, 
being elected selectman in 1807, afterward holding minor offices, and 
becoming a Justice of the Peace, from which he obtained his title of 
Esquire. As a justice he was always strictly upright, but a terror to 
evil doers. He was twice married, his second wife surviving him. He 
died of a rose cancer in 1856, in his eighty-eighth year. I well remember 
the one-storv red house in which he lived, and the immense granite 



^^& 


i^ 






^S^\ 


i^^i^HI^ 


m^m ^ 






(19) Xo. 172, Mrs. Flora J. Clark R, formerly the A. H. Rood place; 
(20) George Lawley, Jr. R, formerly the William Xichols place; (21) 
Mrs. Harriet L. Root, O; formerly the Smith Dart place; (22) Wm. H. 
Coons O; (23) "Woodlawn," Frank M. Gaylord O, formerly the Nancy 
Horton place; (24) Averitt E. Hare O, formerly the Cyprian Elton place / 
(25) Edward H. Allen O, formerly the Garry Allen place; (26) Allen T. 
Bunnell O, formerly the "Jake" Wright place (a still at the rear in the 
olden time); (27) Henry A, Way O, formerly the John Peck, Sr. place. 



136 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



boulder in front. The rock was broken up and removed by the last 
owner of the place, Mr. Rowe, who also replaced the old house by one 
of modern design. It was recently burned, and has not been rebuilt. 

One of the most interesting natural objects of Fall Mountain, was 
the Cedar Swamp, which . was flooded early in the seventies, and used 
as a storage reservoir for Waterbury factories. In the earliest times, 
when the swamp first became known to the white men, there was a 
beaver dam at the southern end, which can now be seen at low water. 
The entire swamp was covered with a dense growth of white cedars, 
except an open channel near the eastern edge. When a dam for a 
sawmill was built, soon after the first settlement of the vicinity, and 
the water begun to rise, it was found that the whole growth of cedars 
rose with the water, and fell again when the water was drawn down— 
a floating forest. It was a natural lake which had become overgrown 
with the cedars, the matted roots forming a raft, through which spliced 
rods were driven, in places, to the depth of forty feet without striking 
bottom. At one time there was a movement on foot to drain the swamp 
and to remove the peat, which exists there in enormous quantities, for 
fuel. But the flooding of the swamp prevented this from being carried 
out. 

To the east, and near the head of the pond, is a natural curiosity, 
in the shape of a bowlder, the formation of which has been declared by 
experts to be very peculiar. Several geologists have examined the rock 
and declared themselves at a loss to account for it. It was discovered 
by my father about seventy-five years ago, who thought that he had 




(28) Mrs. Cora M. Eddy O, J. J. Mulpeter R, formerly the Aaron 
Norton place, built about 1786; (29) A. C. Bailey O, formerly the Gideon 
Roberts place; (30) B. G. Nichols 0; (31) Mrs. Drusilla Blakeslee O, 
formerly the John R. Peck place; (32) O. J. Bailey O, formerly the 
Burton Allen place; (33) S. T Nichols O; (34) Trank H. Wood O, for- 
merly the Barnum place; (35) Peter G. Gustafson O, formerly the Went- 
worth Bradley place; (36) Wallace H. Miller O, formerly_the Leonard A. 
Norton place. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 137 

found a bowlder of limestone. The rock is composed of thin layers, 
or veneers, of cjuartz, cemented together with lime. Broken off the 
interior has one color, and resembles limestone, or marble. But the 
edges of the veneers, where they have been exposed to the weather, 
show where the lime has been eroded, leaving the layers of quartz ex- 
posed. Fragments of this rock are scattered for a mile to the south, 
being laid up in cellar and field walls, but I never have been able to 
find it elsewhere. Wheti in New Hampshire and Vermont, I have 
looked in vain for the rock in situ, for somewhere to the north of us 
there must be the original ledge from which it came. It was not until 
recently that I obtained a clue that may lead to the discovery of its 
starting place on its long pilgrimage over the New England hills. Al 
friend who is of an observing turn of mind, and a student of the natura 
sciences, when shown this rock, said that when exploring the geological 
formation along the St. Lawrence River, known as the Laurentian 
formation, he discovered the thin edges of protruding quartz, precisely 
as they exist in this bowlder. The place of his discovery was near the 
mouth of the Saugenay riv'er, which would be rather too far east to be 
the home site of this rock; but the same formation may exist farther 
up the river St. Lawrence, and more in range with the path of the 
glaciers. 

The first schoolhouse built in the district, stood on the corner op- 
posite the Barnum place, near the present guide board. On the opposite 
corner stood a blacksmith shop, where, early in life, Capt. A. Wooding 
worked at blacksmithing. The second schoolhouse stood at the four 
corners at the top of the mountain, on the east side of the road that 
runs north and south, and on the south side of the road to Bristol. Later 
it was moved to its present site. There may be a few people now living 
who can remember when the schoolhouse was heated by a fireplace; 
and when the benches were made of logs hewn flat on the upper side; 
legs, driven into auger holes on the underside, serving for supports. 
The schoolhouse (20) of my boyhood had advanced far beyond this primi- 
tive stage. It was provided with plank seats running around three 
sides of the room, the teacher having a table and chair at the front end 
of the room, between the two entrances opening into the entry. Some 
of the schoolhouses of that period had a dungeon in one end of the entry, 
where refractory pupils were shut in to reflect upon the enormity of their 
misconduct. But ours was not so provided. A desk of wide boards, 
sloping inward, and having a shelf underneath for the storage of books, 
slates, and the like, took up the room between the seats and the wall. 
In the middle of the room was a box stove, and two benches for little 
tots. A blackboard, much out of repair, occupied the wall space back 
of the teacher's chair. An incident connected with this blackboard, 
may be worthy of mention. 

It was the custom for the teachers to board around, in those days, 
and when one of the lady teachers was boarding at our house, she was 
shown a pair of double-lens, green spectacles, which had the peculiarity, 
by means of reflection, of enabling the wearer to see what was tran- 
spiring behind him, as well as in front. She borrowed the spectacles, 
explaining to the school that weak eyes were the cause of her wearing 
them. When she stood with her back to the school to oversee the 
writing of exercises on the board, was the signal for a general, but silent 
outbreak of grimaces, whisperings, and swapping of knives or trinkets 
dear to the juvenile heart. But this day, as she stood with her back 
toward them, she not only called out the name of every culprit, but told 
exactly what mischief was being done without taking her eves off the 
board. This convinced the urchins that she was gifted with super- 
natural powers, and resulted in much better conduct during the rest 
of the term. It was not until the last day of school that the secret was 
divulged. The effort on my part to keep a secret that length of time 
was a severe strain, but I did it. 

The old schoolhouse was repaired, long after I had graduated, 
was burned about 1881, and the present (7) schoolhouse was built in its 



138 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



stead, the following year. It has the modern improvements in the 
way of chairs and desks, but I doubt if the three R's are more faithfully 
drilled into the minds of the pupils than they were fifty years ago. 

Sherman Johnson, early in the last century, came into possession 
of the place now owned by William Fenn. He was a mechanic of much 
originality, and constructed upon the brook southeast of the house, a 
saw mill, a still, a turning shop and a cider mill. East of the residence 
of James Peckham, he built a dam, flooding over a large tract of land 
known as Morgan's Swamp, which served as his reservoir. The dam 
can still be seen. At the brook where the shops stood can be seen the 
wheel pit and fotmdations. Henry Bradley succeeded to the title of 
the farm by inheritance, and lived there the greater part of his life. 
He was a manufacturer of clock hammers, which were cast of zinc, in 
a little shop which stood west of the house of F. H. Wood, but which 
now stands east of the house, and is used as a carriage house. Mr. 
Bradley also manufactured that part of clock mechanism known as 
lock work, a specialty that was in the hands of his sons, Wentworth 
and Harlan P. Bradley, for many years afterward. The lock work 
was made in the chamber of his house. The front chamber of this 
house was in use for some time as a meeting place for Second Advent- 
ists, Mr. Bradley and his family being early converts to the Advent 




(37) The Samuel McKee place. Miss Julia Potter O, and used as a 
laundry by Jason H. Clemence; (38) Built by Truman Norton, later 
known as the Jerry Thomas place. In the ell of this building Gideon 
Roberts had the first clock shop in America, Jason H. Clemence O; 
(39) ruins of the H. A. Week's place, the original Isaac Norton home- 
stead; (40) S. P. Harrison O, the Joel Norton Tavern; (41) Mrs: Edwin 
Gomme R, the Eli Norton place; (42) Richard E. Dillon O, the Captain 
Alviah Wooding place; (43) Adam Schragder, O, the Charles Graniss 
place; (44) Louis Moulaski O (Allentown Road), the George William 
Mathews place; (4a) the Orrin Judson place (at present unoccupied). 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



139 



faith. He sold out about 186: 
he ended his days. 



and removed to Divinity street, where 



The land upon which stands the red house, known to older residents 
as the McKee place, was purchased of John Gaylord, who owned the 
Fenn place, in 1805. It is now used as a laundry. Samuel McKee 
was of Scotch descent, came from Derby, and was a soldier of the Revo- 
lution, having had many interesting experiences, and some narrow 
escapes from death and capture. His daughter married Eli Terry, the 
Father of American clock-making, and the entire family became iden- 
tified with the industries of Terryville. 

The small shop once used by Gideon Roberts, and which is un- 
doubtedly the original (8) clock shop of the United States, was built for 
a tin shop a few rods north of the house of the late Alonzo Rood. It 
was bought by Roberts and placed in the southwest corner of his front 
yard, where, by means of a foot-lathe and hand saws, he made the first 
Yankee clocks. The building was bought of Hopkins Roberts, and 
removed to its present site, by my uncle, Asahel Hinman Norton, where 
it now forms the L of the house now occupied by J. H. Clemence. 

Fall Mountain has suffered, like many other rural districts, from 
the removal of the descendants of the original families to other localities, 
as well as by the abandonment of homesteads, a condition prevailing 
to a great extent all over the vState. There are now but two persons. 



^WQHOTT ROAD & FALL MT DISTRICT 




(4G) Alverda J. Tymerson O, the Enos Blakeslee place (Witch Rock 
Road); (47) Alexander Morin O, the James Adams place (Witch Rock 
Road); (48) David Y. Clark, the Thos. Prince place (Witch Rock Road); 
(49) Cabin, (Witch Rock Road); (50) Theron A. Johnson O, the 
Leander B. Norton place (Witch Rock Road); (51) James H. 
Peckham O, the Aunt Lucy P]*otchkiss place; (52) Wallace A., Emily M. 
and Rachel E. Allen O, the Lyman Bradley place; (53) Clark Hare R, 
the James Scarrett place; (54) Wm. M. Fenn O, the Henry Bradley 
place. 



140 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




THE TRUMAN NORTON PLACE, 

Showing ell, in which Gideon Roberts had the first clock shop in America. 
From photo by Milo Leon Norton. 



James Peckham and a widowed sister, descendants of Samuel Gaylord» 
now remaining on the mountain, within the boundaries of the district, 
of the old stock. I have not tried to trace the history, or even mention 
all of the old families, because of the lack of time and space needed to 
do the subject justice. Since 1860 five houses in the district have been 
burned and were never rebuilt, and two were abandoned and were torn 
down. In 1860 there were living in the district, with all of whom I 
was personally acquainted, the following families: Henry Bradley, 
James Scarrett, Lyman Bradley, Isaac Hotchkiss, Jesse Gaylord, Lorenzo 
Thomas, Leander B. Norton, Thomas Prince, James Adams, Enos 
Blakeslee, Orrin Judson, Benajah Camp, Eli Norton, George Plumb, 
Capt. Alvah Wooding, Moulthrop, Charles Granniss, Miles San- 

ford, George William Matthews, Charles Peck, Jeremiah Thomas, Leonard 
A. Norton, Garry Nettleton, and George Nettleton. Of all these per- 
sons there is only one now living, Lorenzo Thomas, who resides in an- 
other part of the State. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



141 





Moses Dunbar, 
LOYALIST 


.^^- 
•^'^^- 



By Judge Epaphroditus Peck. 

THE history of Moses Dunbar seems to me to be a story ful[ 
of interest to all students of Connecitcut's history, because 
he was the only person who has ever been executed for treason 
against this state; and full of interest to ail who love heroism 
and high-minded devotion to principle, because of the fidelity and con- 
secration with which he served the church and the King to whom he 
believed his loyalty to be due, consecration alike of the affections and 
the activities of life, fidelity even unto death. 

Moses Dunbar was born in Wallingford in June 14th, 1746, the 
second of a family of sixteen children. When he was about fourteen 
years old, his father removed to Waterbury; that is, I suppose, to what 
is now East Plymouth. The present town of Plymouth was then a 
part of Waterbury, afterward set off as a part of Watertown in 1780, 
and set ofif from Watertown by its present name in 1795. 

In 1764, when not quite eighteen years old, he was married to 
Phebe Jerome or Jearam of Bristol, then New Cambridge. In the 
same year, "upon what we thought sufficient and rational motives," 
he and his wife left the Congregational Church, in which he had been 
brought up, and declared themselves of the Church of England. 

The Rev. James Scovil was then located at Waterbury as a Church 
'o£ England missionary of the "Society for the Propagation of the Gospel 
in Foreign Parts," Connecticut being foreign missionary ground, from 
the standpoint of the English Church; he was also in charge of the 
little Anglican Church in New Cambridge, which perished in the storm 
and stress of the Revolution. 

To his Episcopal surroundings we are undoubtedly justified in 
tracing Dunbar's later toryism, and particularly to the influence of 
Mr. Scovil, and of the Rev. James Nichols, who succeeded him in charge 
of the New Cambridge Church. 

When the war of the Revolution broke out, the King's cause had 
no other svich zealous supporters, in Connecticut at least, as the Anglican 
missionaries stationed in the state. 

We can easily see the reasons for this These men, brought up 
in the English Church, accustomed to look on the King as the head of 
the church, and by the Grace of God, Defender of Faith, came to New 
England only to find here the despised separatists, who in England were 
entitled to nothing more than contemptuous toleration, and who had 
not always had that, ruling in church and state with a high, and not 
at all a gentle, hand. Their own church, which at home had every 
advantage, political and social, whose Bishops sat in the House of Lords, 
whose services were maintained in splendid pomp by the public funds, 
which was the spiritual governor of England, as King and Parliament 
were its civil governors, was weak and despised and suffering great legal 
disadvantages, as compared with its Puritan rival. 



142 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




RESIDENCK JUDGE EPAPHRODITUS PECK, SUMMER STREET. 



To give an extreme instance of the hardships which the Episcopal 
clergymen sometimes suffered, William Gibbs, of Simsbury, who was 
the first Anglican minister to officiate in New Cambridge, was required 
by the authorities of Simsbury to pay taxes froin his own scanty income 
to support the Congregational ministry. When he refused, he is said 
to have been bound on the back of a horse, and in that harsh way carried 
to Hartford jail, where he was imprisoned as a delinquent taxpayer.. 
He was then an old inan, became insane, and continued so until his 
death. (1.) 

Our own church records show that legal coinpulsion was used to 
inake the churchinen, who doubtless had a heavy burden to carry in 
their own church, pay taxes for Mr. Xewell's support. 

While the law for the support of the Congregational churches by 
taxation was finally relaxed for the benefit of Episcopal dissenters, 
and their treatment probably tended to become inore friendly, as their 
numbers increased, the position of constant inferiority and occasional 
oppression in which they found themselves must have been very galling 
to the clergymen of the English church, who doubtless felt that they 
were entitled by English law to be the dominant, instead of the in- 
ferior, church. 

The Puritan go\"ernment was not one likely to be beloved by those 
who were out of sympathy with its theology and practice; still less by 
those who devoutly believed it to be both schismatical and heretical, 
and who constantly felt the weight of its oppressive hand upon them. 

But the chvirchmen had always the crown, and the powerful mother 
church at home, to look to as their backer and defender; and, though 
neither church nor crown seem ever to have interested themselves much 
in the lot of their co-religionists here, the distinguished connection there 
was at least a matter of pride and fervent loyalty to the ostracized 
churchmen here. 



1. Welton's sermon and notes concerning the Einsoopal Church in New Cambridge. 
Bristol Public Librarv. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 143 

And, naturally enough, they believed that the fear of the wrath 
of the powerful church at home was all that restrained the Puritans 
here, and feared a withdrawal of all ijrivileges, and an attack on the 
very existence of their churches, if the Puritan colony should succeed 
in establishing its independence. 

"It was inferred from the history of the past that, if successful, 
few would be the tender mercies shown by the Independents in New 
England to a form of Protestant religion which was in their eyes 'dis- 
sent,' and which nothing but the want of power hitherto had prevented 
them from fully destroying. It was the remark of a Presbyterian 
deacon, made in the hearing of one who put it upon record, 'that if the 
colonies should carry their point, there would not be a church in the 
Xew England states.' " (2.) 

And so, when the hated rulers of the colony openly defied the King, 
denied the authority of Parliament over them, and finally deterinined 
to make their Puritan commonwealths independent altogether, it is 
not difficult to understand how bitter the opposition to the revolutionary 
movement must have been among the churchmen, and what firebrands 
of tory zeal the missionary clergyman, in their circuits through the 
state, must have been. 

The position of active hospitality to the colonial cause taken by 
the Episcopal clergy led to their being specially marked out by the 
intolerant patriotism of the day for prosecution; and this in turn, no 
doubt, reacted to increase their hatred of the colony, its Puritan religion, 
and the possibility of its acquiring independence. 

Nineteen days after, the Declaration of Independence, the clergy 
of the state met to determine their course; one point of peculiar ditti- 
culty was the prayer for the King, and that he might be victorious over 
all his enemies, in the prayerbook. 

At least one Congregational minister in Massachusetts suffered 
embarrassment from a similar cause. He had prayed so long for "our 
excellent King George," that, after the war commenced, and independ- 
ence had been declared, he inadvertently inserted the familiar phrase 
in his prayer, but, recollecting himself in time, he added: "O Lord, I 
mean George Washington." 

But the Church of England clergy could not so readily evade their 
prescribed prayer for the King. They could not omit it without unfaith- 
fulness to the canons of the church, nor include it without incurring 
the wrath of their neighbors, and the accusation of open disloyalty. 
They, therefore, resolved to suspend public services, until the storm of 
revolution should blow over; which they probably thought would be 
but a few months. (3.) 

But one old man, John Beach, of Newtown and Reading, absolutely 
refused his consent to this resolution, and declared that he would "do 
his duty, preach and pray for the King, till the rebels cut out his tongue." 
The doughty old loyalist kept his word, and yet died peaceably in his 
bed, in the eighty-second year of his age, just in time to escape the 
bitter news of Cornwallis' surrender. (4.) 

But he had some exciting experiences in the meantime. While 
officiating one day in Reading, a shot was fired into the church, and 
the ball struck above him, and lodged in the sounding-board. Pausing 
for the moment, he uttered the w-rds, "Fear not them w^hich kill the 
body, but are not able to kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able 
to destroy both soul and body in hell." He then proceeded with the 
service, without further interruption. 

At another time, a party of men entered his church, and as he was 
about reaching the prayer for the King, pointed a musket at his head, 



2. Beardsley's Historv of the Episcopal Church in Connectictit, vol. 1, p. 312. 
Beardsley, 1, .313. 

Z Welter's sermon, cited before. Also see Beardsley. 
► Walton's sermon, and. Beardsley. 



144 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




"overlook," residence s b harper. 



He calmly went on, and, whether they did not fire, or missed, he escaped 
injury. (5.) 

But many of his brethren, though less bold than he, suffered more. 

Dunbar's last days in jail were confronted by the sacred offices of 
the church administered by Rev. Roger Veits, a fellow-prisoner, who 
had been tried at the same tenn with Dunbar and convicted of assisting 
captured British soldiers to escape, and giving them food. 

Nor was Dunbar's own pastor, Rev. James Nichols, treated much 
better. Rev. James Nichols appears by the records of his church to 
have administered baptism five times in 1776 after July 4th, once in 
1777, and four times in 1780, Rev. X. A. Welton says that these sacred 
offices were performed in a cave, and adds: "Once, says reliable tradi- 
tion, he was discovered hiding in a cellar near the residence of the late 
Sextvis Gaylord, captured, tarred and feathered, and dragged in the 
neighboring brook." (6.) At the same term of court at which Dunbar 
was convicted of treason, this Mr. Nichols was also tried, but was ac- 
quitted. (7.) 

A new convert to the religious faith of the Church of England, under 
the teaching of its persecuted ministers, a man evidently of courage and 
resolute energy, we can hardly wonder that Moses Dunbar was a devoted 
and fearless supporter of the royal cause. In his own words, "From 
the time that the present unhappy niisunderstanding between Great 
Britain and the Colonies began, I freely confess I never could reconcile 
my opinion to the necessity or lawfulness of taking up arms against 
Great Britain." (8.) 

His adherence to the Church of England had already caused a 

5. Beardsley, 1, 319. 

6. Welton's sermon. 

7. Connecticut Courant, Jan. 27. 1777. 

8. Dunbar's statement, in The Town and City of Waterbury, vol. 1, page 435 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



145 



breach between himself and his father, in which he seems to have been 
practically driven from home, and it was then probably that he began 
living near his wife's home in New Cambridge. He continued to pay 
toll-taxes in Waterbury as a resident, and describes himself in deeds as 
of Waterbury; but both a strong local tradition, and the early printed 
accounts of him, speak of him as having lived in Bristol, that is, of course, 
of Farmington, and he is so described in his formal indictment. A 
house that used to stand on the east side of Hill street, a little way ndrth 
from the South Chippins' Hill schoolhouse, was known to every one 
about there as the house where Moses Dunbar lived. 

Probably after his father cast him off, the young husband of eighteen 
took hiinself to the more friendly society of his wife's family, who lived 
in this Chippins' Hill neighborhood. 

He certainly attended schurch in the little church building on 
Federal Hill, and there his four children were baptized, Bede, in 17(35, 
Zeriah in 1773, Phebe in 1774, and Moses, of whom I shall speak again, 
in December, 1777. 

During the twelve years from his marriage in May, 1764, to his 
wife's death, he had seven children, of whom four survived their father. 
On May 20th, 1776, his wife died, as wives and mothers usually did in 
those days, when they reached the age of thirty or so. 

Not many months afterward, he was married again to Esther Adams. 

The Revolutionary War, with its accompanying divisions of neighbor- 
hoods and families, was now in full progress, and Dunbar was already 
an object of suspicion. "Having spoken somewhat freely on the sub- 
ject," he says, "I was attacked by a mob of about forty men, very much 
abused, my life threatened and nearly taken away, by which mob I 
was obh'ged to sign a paper containing many falsehoods." (9.) 

The familv of which he was a member bv marriage was as much 




RESIDEN'CE EDSON M. PECK, SUMMER STREET. 



9. Dunbar's statement, tit supra. 



146 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

divided politically as any could be. Zerubbabel Jerome, the father, 
and his three sons, Robert, Thomas, and Asahel, were all four soldiers 
in the American army. Asahel died in the service. (10.) Chauncey and 
Zerubbabel, Jr., were tories, and were, in 1777, imprisoned for some 
time in Ha,rtford jail for disloyalty, and finally released on profession 
of repentance, and taking the oath of allegiance to the state. (11.) 
Chauncey was also once flogged, or escaped flogging only by slipping 
out of his shirt, by which he was bound, and fleeing to shelter. (12.) 

Phebe married Dunbar; Ruth married Stephen Graves, who was 
a notorious tory leader, and lived for a time in the "tory den," where 
his wife, then nineteen years old, carried him food at night; Jerusha 
married Jonathan Pond, who, Mr. Shepard says, was probably a tory, 
and the other danghter, Mary, married Joseph Spencer, whose political 
position is now unknown. (13.) Of Stephen Graves, Mr. Welton 
speaks as follows: — "Stephen Graves, a young churchman residing in 
the southeast corner of Harwinton, was drafted for the continental 
army, and sent a svibstitute. The next year, while he was paying wages 
to the substitute, he was drafted again, an act so maniiestly oppressive 
and cruel that he refused any longer to maintain his substitute, and 
thenceforth became the object of relentless persecution by the lawless 
band who styled themselves the 'Sons of Liberty.' Once they caught 
him and scourged him with rods, tied to a cherry tree, on the line between 
Plymouth and Harwinton, at the fork of the roads. Again he was 
captured in Saybrook, whither he had gone to visit his grandfather's 
family, and brought back, but when within three miles from home he 
escaped, while climbing 'Pine Hollow Hill,' and reached home safely; 
but did not enter his house till his pursuers had come and gone without 
him. The loyalists of the neighborhood for a while worked together 
on each one's farm for safety. Their wives kept watch for (the Sons 
of Libert}') and she who flrst sighted themL, blev/ her tin horn or conch; 
all the others in turn repeating the warning, till the men had time to 
get well on their way to their cave, which the men-hunters never dis- 
covered." (14.) 

After his first wife's death, Dunbar says: — "I had now concluded 
to live peaceable, and give no offense, neither by word nor deed. I had 
thought of entering into a voluntary confinement within the litnits of 
my farm, and making proposals of that nature, when I was carried 
before the Committee, and by them ordered to suffer imprisonment 
during their pleasure, not exceeding five months. When I had remained 
there about fourteen days, the authoritity of New Haven dismissed me. 
Finding iny life uneasy, and as I had reason to apprehend, in great 
danger. I thought it my safest method to flee to Long Island, which I 
accordingly did, but having a desire to see my friends and children, 
and being under engagement of marriage with her who is my wife, the 
banns of marriage having been before published, I returned, and was 
married. Having a mind to remove my wife and family to Long Island, 
as a place of safety, I went there the second time, to prepare matters 
accordingly. When there I accepted a captain's warrant for the King's 
service in Colonel Fanning's regiment. 

"I returned to Connecticut, when T was taken and betrayed by 
Joseph Smith, and was brought before the authority of Waterbury 
They refused to have anything to do with the matter. I was carried 
before Justices Strong and Whitman of Farmington and by them com- 
mitted to Hartford, where the Superior Court was then sitting. I was 
tried on Thursday, 2,'^rd of January, 1777, for High Treason against the 
State of Connecticut, by an act passed in October last, for enlisting men 
for General Howe, and for having a captain's commission for that pur- 



10. The Tories of Connecticut, by James Shepard, Connecticut Magazine. IV., 202. 

11. Records of the State of Connecticut, Vol. 1, p. 259. 

12. Welton's sermon, ut supra. The Tories of Conn., supra, p. 260. 

13. MS. notes of Mr. James Shepard. See Conn. Magazine, IV., 260. 

14. Welton's sermon, ut supra. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



147 




RESIDENCE J. R. IIOLLEY, BELLEVL-^ AVENUE. 



pose. I was adjudged guilty, and. on the Saturday following was brought 
to the bar of the court and received sentence of death." (16.) 

Several things in this statement attract attention; firstly, the great 
powers stated to have been exercised by the "coniinittee," who could 
imprison a man at their pleasure, not exceeding five months, without 
trial; again, the persistent activity in the royal cause, which even his 
marriage hardly interrupted. During his very honeymoon, he was 
pledging himself irrevocably to the King's cause, and receiving the 
formal commission, which would necessarily condemn him, if it were 
discovered upon him. The regiment in which he was commissioned 
was made up of American loyalists, and Rev. Samuel Seabury, afterward 
the first American Bishop of the Episcopal church was its chaplain. 

The refusal of the Waterbury authorities "to have anything to do 
Avith the matter," for which Miss Prichard in the history of Waterbury 
already cited, expresses herself as thankful, evidently thinking that it 
denoted greater moderation on their part, seems to me to mean 
simply that, in inquiring into the facts the Waterbury magistrates 
found' that the specific acts charged were committed in Farmington, 
and, therefore, sent him thither for trial. It was only the usual and 
necessary procedure, since a criminal trial must always be had in the 
jurisdiction where the criminal acts are committed. 

Judge Jones, in his History of New York, a bitterly loyalist book, 
says of the charge against him: — "His commission and orders from 
General Howe were in his pocket. There happened to be no existing 
law in the Colony which inade such an offense punishable with death. 
A law was therefore made on purpose; upon wliich ex post facto law he 
was indicted and tried for treason." (17.) 

This charge that the law was passed after the criminal acts were 
committed, if well-founded, would be a serious one; for such legislation 
is vmiversally recognized as contrary to natural justice. By the Consti- 



16. 
17. 



Dunbar's statement, ut supra. 

Jones's History of New York, Vol. 1, page 17.5. 



148 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

tution of the Uinted States, not then in force of course, any ex post 
facto law is invahd and null. But I do not believe that the statement 
is true. 

The act defining treason under which he was convicted was the 
second act, the first having been a ratification of the Declaration of 
Independence, passed by the General Assembly which met October 
tenth, and adjourned November seventh, 1775. 

Jones himself says that Dunbar was taken up early in 1777; Dunbar 
says that by the justices he was committed to Hartford, where the Superior 
Court was then sitting, by which he was tried on January 23rd, 1777. 
This was the January, 1777, session of the court, The indictment 
charges his treasonable acts to have been committed on November 10th, 
1776, and January 1st, 1777; very likely the latter date was charged 
because he was arrested on that day, and the royal commission was then 
foimd in his possession. 

So that it is quite clear that his arrest, and the acts for which he 
was tried, were a considerable time after the passage of the act against 
treason. 

Doubtless this is true; that he and other tories had been arrested 
and imprisoned as dangerous characters, and there had been no sufficient 
statute under which to punish them; and the Legislature, at the earliest 
possible moment after the Declaration of Independence, supplied the 
omission. But when they instituted a prosecution under the act, 
they clearly set up acts occurring after its passage. 

The indictment of Dunbar read as follow: "The Jurors for the 
Governor & Company of the State of Connecticut upon their oaths present 
that one Moses Dunbar of Farmington in said county being a person 
belonging to and residing within this state of Connecticut not having 
the fear of God before his Eyes and being Seduced by the Instigation of 
the Devil on or about the lOth day of November last past and also on 
or about the 1st day of January Instant, did wittingly and feloniously 
wickedly and Traitorously proceed and goe from said Farmington to 
the City of New York in the State of New York with Intent to Join to 
aid. Assist and hold Traitorous Correspondence with the British Troops 
and Navy there Now in Armes and Open Warr and hostilities against 
■ this State and the rest of the United States of America and also that 
the said Moses Dunbar on or about the said 10th Day of November last 
and 1st day of January Instant Did wittingly and knowingly feloniously 
wickedly and Traitorously at New York aforesaid Join himself to the 
British Army and Enter their Service and Pay and did Aid and Assist 
the said British Army and Navy Now in Arms and Enemies at Open 
Warr with this State and the rest of the United States of America and 
did Inlist and Engage with said British Army to levy Warr against this 
State and the Government thereof and Did Traitorously Correspond 
with said Enemies and Give them Intelligence of the State and Situation 
of the .State and did plot and Contrive with said Enemies to Betray this 
State and the rest of the United States of America into their Power 
and hands against the peace and Dignity of the State and Contrary to 
the form and effect of the Statute of this State in Such Case lately made 
and provided." 

His sentence was: "that he go from hence to the goal from whence 
he came and from thence to the place of execution and there to be hanged 
up by the neck between the heavens and the earth untill he Shalle be 
Dead." (18.) 

The name of the man whom Dunbar was charged to have persuaded 
to enlist, John Adams, suggests that he was probably a father or brother 
of the Esther Adams, whom he had just married. Apparently Dunbar 
carried on his courtship and his loyalist campaign together; and won 
the heart of the daughter for himself, and of the father or brother for 
the King, at the same time. 



18. Superior Court Records, Secretary of State's Office, vol. 18. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



149 



There were qtiite a number of other trials and convictions under 
the same statute; but no one was executed but Dunbar. I presume that 
the colonists felt it necessary to make an example of some one, to show 
that the law had teeth, and to drive the tory sentiment of the state into 
concealment and silence. For this purpose they may have desired a 
shining mark, and selected as the victim a man of high character rather 
than the reverse. 

He was ordered to be hanged on March 19th, 1777. On March 
first, with the aid of a knife brought him by Elisha Wadsworth of Hart- 
ford, he cleared himself of his irons, knocked down the guard, and escaped 
from the jail. Wadsworth was indicted for his part in this escape, and 
was sentenced to be imprisoned for one year, to pay forty poimds fine, 
and the costs of his prosecution. Half of his term of imprisonment, 
and his fine, was afterward remitted. 

Dunbar was soon recaptured, and was executed on March 19th, 
1777, according to the sentence. The gallows was erected on the hill 
south of Hartford, where Trinity College now is. "A prodigious Con- 
course of People were Spectators on the Occasion," said the Connecticut 
Courant of March 24th. 

"It is said that at the moment when the execution took place a 
white deer sprang from the near-by forest, and passed directly under 
the hanging victim. This tradition," says Miss Prichard's History of 
Waterbury, "is pretty firmly established." 

Two official sermons were preached on the occasion of Dunbar's exe- 
cution; one by Rev. Abraham Jarvis, of Middletown, afterward Episco- 
gal Bishop of Connecticut, at the jail, to Dunbar himself; and one by 
.ev. Nathan Strong, of the First Church in Hartford, in his church. 
Mr. Strong says: "For reasons we must in charity hope honest to him- 
self, he refuses to be present at this solemnity; my discourse therefore 
will not be calculated, as hath been usual on such occasions, to the dying 
creature who is to appear immediately before the Great Judge; but to 
assist my hearers in making an improvement of the event, for their own 




RESIDENCE .MILIiS LEWIS I'liCK, SUMMER STREET. 



150 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




RESIDENCE HENRY L. BEACH AND PHILIP H. STEVENS, PROSPECT PLACE 



benefit." It is reasonable inference that Dunbar's refusal to listen to a 
Congregational minister let to Mr. Jarvis, a leading clergyman- of his 
own faith, who was also a loyalist, being invited to preach the sermon 
to him. His treatment would not seem in this matter to have been 
harsh or inconsiderate. 

Mr. Strong's references to him in his scrinon are also entirely free 
from bitterness of tone ; he ends thus ; 

"With regard to the dying criminal, while you acquiesce in the 
necessity of his fate, give him A^our prayers. Though public safety 
forbids him pardon from the State, he may be pardoned by God Almighty. 
As Christians, forgive him; let not an idea that he hath sinned against 
the country keep alive the passions of hatred and revenge. 

Remember the instruction of Christ, forgive our trespasses as w^ 
forgive them that trespass against us, forgive your enemies, and pray 
for those who use you wickedly; commend his spirit to the mercy of 
God, and the Saviour of men's souls." (19.) 

The text was I Tim. F, 20. "Them that sin rebuke before all, that 
others also may fear." 

The excitement among the loyalists by Dunbar's sentence and 
impending death appears very clearly in this statement by Judge Jones, 
in the history of New York, already cited: (20.) 

"Xo less than four expresses, at four different times, were sent to 
General Howe between the condemnation and the execution, to each 
of which the most faithful promises were made, that an application of 
such a serious nature should be made to the Government of Connecticut, 
as should insure his discharge. 

There were about four hundred rebel officers and five thousand 
soldiers at this time prisoners within the British lines at New York. 



19. Strong's sermon, Conn.'_Hist. Library. 

20. Vol. 1, page 176. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



151 



Xo application was ever made, and while the general was lolling 
in the arms of his mistress, and sporting his cash at the faro bank, the 
poor unhappy loyalist was executed. This is a fact, and the General 
knows it. His word, his honour, and his hmnanity were all sported 
away in this affair." 

Jones goes on to accuse the Connecticut authorities of barbarous 
treatment of Dunbar's wife: 

"Dunbar had a young wife, big with child. On the day of execution 
the High Sheriff, (by orders no doubt) compelled her to ride in the cart, 
and attend the execution of her husband. This over, she left Hartford, 
and went to Middletown, about sixteen miles down the river, where a 
number of loyalists lived, and where several British subjects were living 
upon parole. 

Her case being stated, a subscription was undertaken for her com- 
fort and relief. No sooner was this hospitable act known to the com- 
mittee at Middletown, than they sent for the poor woman, and ordered 
her out of town, declaring at the same time, that if she should there- 
after be found in that town, she should be sent instantly to jail. 

The unhappv wretch was obliged to leave the town in consequence 
of this inhuman order, and had it not been for the hospitality of a worthy 
loval family, who kindly took her under their roof, she would in all 
probability have been delivered in the open fields. A striking instance 
this of American lenity, which the rebels during the war proclaimed to 
the world with so much eclat." (-1.) 

As to this, of course there is now no contrary proof; but few classes 
of statements are so unreliable as to the counter-charges of severity in 
a civil war. Jones's authority is very small, as I was assured by the 
late President of the Connecticut Historical vSociety, and State Librarian, 
Mr. Charles J. Hoadley, he certainly is wrong in his previous statement 
that Dunbar was tried under an ex post facto law, and the treatment 
by the authorities in other respects does not seem to have been unkind. 




RESIDENCE MRS. N. S. WIGHTMAN, SUMMER STREET. 



21. Jones's History of New York, vol. 1, page 177. 



152 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




RESIDENCE CHARLES T. TREADWAY, BELLEVUE AVEXUH. 

If Mrs. Dunbar rode with her husband to execution, I think it much 
more hkeh^ that it was from her devoted wish to stay by him to the last, 
than from any compulsion put upon her by the sheriff. That she may 
have been subjected to persecution afterward is likely enough, from all 
that we know of the usual treatment of the torios. 

A reference to the date of the baptism of Moses, son of Moses Dunbar 
on the New Cambridge church record, December, 1777, confirms Jones's 
statement as to Mrs. Dunbar's condition. Mr. Welton says that this 
son came to an untimely end; how, I do not know. Mrs. Dunbar went 
with/n the lines of the British army for protection, but afterward re- 
turned to Bristol, and married Chauncey Jerome, the brother of Dunbar's 
first wife, with whom she went to Nova Scotia. After the peace, they 
returned to Connecticut, and were the parents of several children. (22.) 

Many years afterward Mrs. Jerome, then an old woman, was driving 
by the hill where Trinity stands, with Erastus Smith of Hartford; point- 
ing out to him an apple tree, she said, "That is where my poor first 
husband was buried." Smith related this to Mr. Hoadley, who told 
it to me. 

More than a century after Dunbar's execution, when an old house 
at Harwinton was destroyed, papers were found in the garret and ex- 
amined, among which were two papers written by Moses Dunbar on 
the day before his death. 

The first w-as addressed to his children, and was as follows : 

MY CHILDREN: Remember yoitr Creator in the days of your 
youth. Learn vour Creed, the Lord's prayer, and the ten command- 
ments and Catechism, and go to church as often as you can, and prepare 
yourselves as soon as you are of a proper age to worthily partake of 
the Lord's supper. I charge you all, never to leave the church. Read 
the Bible. Love the Saviour wherever you may be. 



22. Sabine's American Loyalists, under Moses Dunbar. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



153 



I am now in Hartford jail, condemned to death for high treason 
against the state of Connecticut. I was thirty years last June, the 
14th. God bless you. Remember your Father and Mother and be 
dutiful to your present mother. 

The other paper is an account of his life, and a statement of his 
faith. I have already quoted from it. It concludes as follows: 

"The tremendous and awful day now draws near, when I must 
appear before the Searcher of hearts to give an account of all the deeds 
done in the body, whether they be good or evil. I shall soon be de- 
livered from all the pains and troubles this wicked mortal state, and 
shall be answerable to the All-Seeing God, who is infinitely just, and 
knoweth all things as they are. I am fully persuaded that I depart 
in a state of peace with God, and my own conscience. I have but little 
doubt of my future happiness, through the merits of Jesus Christ. I 
have sincerely repented of all my sins, examined my heart, prayed 
earnestly to God for mercy, for the gracious pardon of my manifold and 
heinous sins. I resign myself wholly to the disposal of my Heavenly 
Father, submitting to His Divine will. From the bottom of my heart 
I forgive all enemies and earnestly pray God to forgive them all. Some 
part of T — S — 's evidence was false, but I heartily forgive him, and 
likewise earnestly beg forgiveness of all persons whom I have injured 
or offended. 

"I die in the profession and communion of the Church of England. 

"Of my political sentence I leave the readers of these lines to judge. 
Perhaps it is neither reasonable nor proper that I should declare them 
in my present situation. I cannot take the last farewell of my country- 
men without desiring them to show kindness to my poor widow and 
children not reflecting upon them the manner of my death. Now_ I 
have given you a narrative of all things material concerning rny^life 
with that veracity which you are to expect from one who is going to 
leave the world and appear before the God of truth. My last advice 
to you is, that you, above all others, confess your sins, and prepare 




RESIDENCE MRS. CHARLES S. IktAUWAY, BELLEVUE AVENUE. 



154 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 




RESIDENCE OF THE LATE EDWARD B. DUXBAK, SnlTH STREET. 

yourselves, with God's assistance, for your future and Eternal state. 
You will all shortly be as near Eternity as I now am, and will view both 
worlds in the light which I do now view them. You will then view all 
worldly things to be but shadows and vapours and vanity of vanities, 
and the things of the Spiritual world to be of importance beyond all 
description. You will then be sensible that the pleasures of a good 
conscience, and the happiness of the near jjrospect of Heaven, will out- 
weigh all the pleasures and honours of this wicked world. 

"God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, have mercy on me, and 
receive my spirit, Amen, and Amen." 

Moses Dunbar. 
Hartford, March 18, 1777. 

As we read these high-minded words, in which there is neither anv 
retraction nor attempted exctise, any effort at denial of the facts, nor 
any bitterness of complaint against the authorities who had condemned 
him, but a calm statement of his opinions, his acts, and his sufferings 
and a reiteration of his devotion to the church of his choice, as we think 
of this young man of thirty, leaving four children to be fatherless, mother- 
less, and exposed to hatred and persecution for their father's sake, a 
wife married but a few months, and a child yet unborn, and meeting 
death for the faith to which he had been converted, and the King and 
country to whom he believed that his loyalty was due, I hope we can 
see that there was devotion, heroism, and martyrdom on the loyalist, 
as well as on the patriot side. 

The rightfulness of Dunbar's execution, in itself, may be a matter 
of fair debate. Of course he was within the terms of the act for the 
punishment of treason, "which prohibited levying war against the state 
or aiding its enemies, by joining their armies or by enlisting others;" 
but the law of England also prohibited the levying of war against the 
King, or assisting his enemies, and the question which was his lawful 
ruler, to whose laws he owed obedience, was the very question at issue 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



155 



in the contest. From the British standpoint, all the Revolutionary 
soldiers were guilty of treason against the crown, just as in our recent 
civil Avar every Confederate soldier, was, by strict construction of law, 
subject to be hanged as a traitor. 

But in civil contests, which take on the dimensions of war, it is not 
usual, in civilized communities, for the parties on one side or the other 
to apply the civil penalty of treason, biit rather to regard captured 
enemies as entitled to the treatment of prisoners of war. So the British 
armv treated its prisoners in the Revolution, as did both parties in the 
Civil War. 

Xathan Hale, whom the British put to death, was a spy, and sub- 
ject to the death penalty by all the usages of war; Andre, whom the 
Americans executed, was also a spy in the American lines, and, besides, 
assisting in an act of nefarious treason by an American officer; these 
cases are quite different from that of a man who, when rival govern- 
ments were demanding his allegiance, decided for the King, and honestly 
fought for him, as his neighbors did for the state. 

The fact that the state government, though a number of other 
tories were convicted of treason, executed none of them, seems to show 
that they had doubts of the propriety of their action. 

And yet Dunbar was not carrying on open war, in the King's uniform, 
but acting secretly, and in the territory of which the state government 
had possession; by the acts of himself and his associates the British 
army was getting secret information and assistance from within the 
enemy's lines; that kind of service is much like that of a spy, and we 
can hardly blame the state authorities severely for not making fine 
distinctions in favor of those who were assisting the hated enemy in 
their own neighborhood, secretly winning recruits among the young 
men of their own comtnunities, and, by all the means in their power 
bringing invasion, conquest, and royal vengeance, upon their fellow- 
citizens of the state. 




RESIDENCE P. H. CONGDON, LAUREL STREET. 



Records of the State of Connecticut, vol. 1, page 4. 



156 



iRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




RESIDENCE REV. HENRY CLARK, CHURCH STREET. 



The burning of Danbury by a British detachment, guided by Con- 
necticut tories, the month after Dunbar's execution, showed how far 
the loyalists of the state were ready to go in their bitterness toward their 
fellow-citizens. Isaac W. Shelton, said to have been one of the guides 
of the Danbury expedition, was a member and officer of the Bristol 
Episcopal church in 1736, and it is not unlikely that he and Dunbar 
were acquaintances and associates in the cause. 

Shelton was certainly across the line, and Dunbar, at least, very 
near to it, that divides open enemies, entitled, when captured, to be 
treated as prisoners of war, from traitors and spies, who, however, sincere 
may be their conviction of the justice of their cause, subject themselves 
knowingly to the penalty of death if they are taken. 

But as to the outrages committed upon the tories by their neigh- 
bors, nothing can be said in justification. War does not justify nor 
excuse, among civilized people, the whipping, tarring and feathering, 
or hanging, of non-combatants, even if they hold and express opinions 
obnoxious to the prevailing sentiment of the community. That such 
excesses are not the necessary outcome of excited patriotic feeling was 
shown in the Civil War, three generations later. Our communities were 
no less stirred then by the emotions of a great conflict than they had 
been in the days of the Revolution; but, unless in isolated cases, the 
most odious of the "Copperheads" were not subjected to personal violence 
and outrage. 

The struggle of a brave people for independence is not ennobled 
or advanced by acts of riotous violence. 

And yet, though the circumstances offered no justification, they 
do afford some mitigation and excuse. The position of the weaker 
and invaded party inevitably arouses more bitterness of feeling than 
that of the invader. To illustrate again from the Civil War, a northern 
sympathizer at the south would probably have been in much more 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



lo7 



danger of personal injury than a rebel sympathizer at the north. The 
language and acts of the northern Copperheads while they tended to 
produce national disaster and disunion did not excite any real fear of 
the invasion of our towns, the burning of our homes, or our subjection 
to a foreign yoke. 

But the real explanation of the harsh and cruel treatment of the 
tories and their families was in the narrower, more intolerant spirit of 
the time and the place. The spirit of intolerance was perhaps the worst 
defect, so far as the outward life was concerned, of the Puritan character. 
The Puritans had learned to be firm, devoted, tenacious even to death, 
for the truth as they saw it; they had not learned to be considerate, 
charitable, or even tolerant, to the different views of others. The very 
adherence to Episcopacy had seemed to them a scandalous wickedness 
and offense; and when the religious schismatics also opposed them in 
their cherished ambition to establish an independent commonwealth, 
and dared to defy public sentiment, and to maintain loyal allegiance to 
King George, the dominant party could admit neither any soundness 
in their reasoning, any purity in their motives, nor any right to differ 
so widely, and on such vital questions, from the majority. 

Dunbar's own father is said to have declared when his son was 
arrested that he would furnish the hemp to make a rope for him; and I 
have no doubt that brutal utterance, so unlike in temper to the son's 
words, which we have read, was applauded as patriotic firmness by his 
neighbors. 

The revival of historic patriotism of these past few years ough to 
bring an increase of knowledge, as well as of zeal; certainly after a hun- 
dred and twenty years we can afford to look at the great struggle from 
both sides; and so I have taken pleasure in drawing the picture of a 
man highminded, devout, and heroic, and yet a determined and obdurate 
tory, whom the state of Connecticut hanged as a traitor. 




RESIDENCE WILLIAM E. SESSIONS, BELLEVUE AVENUE. 



158 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE TORY DEN.- 



IN THAT section of the country where the towns of Harwinton, 
Burhngton, Plymouth, and Bristol touch, is situated a wild tract 
of wooded land known as "The Ledges." There is one cliff among 

many that faces the south and at its foot lies the "Tory Den." Large 
bands of Patriots in Revolutionary times sotight for this hiding place 
in vain, and there are few even to this daj^ who can find it. 

By climbing to the top of the cliff you may picture the country to 
the south as it was in those stirring days. In 1775, the Chippens Hill 
section, that rolling land seen at the left, was one of the flourishing parts 
of the town of Bristol. There were houses there manj'^ more than now 
and where there are now strips of woodland wa? rich meadow. East 
Plymouth at the right was also good farming country. Even Fall 
Mountain upon the southern horizon had patches of good land. Bristol 
and Plymouth were sections of a state which had the proud distinction 
of being the granary of the Revolution. Occasionally in a patch of 
w^oods there is discovered a cellar of one of the old time hotises. 

The people living in the region spread out before the eye, were an 
industrious class of farmers and their religion was in an overwhelming 
proportion that of the Church of England. Originally Congregational, 
and of Puritan stock, they had been converted by missionaries of the 
Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts to the Episco- 
pal faith. They had paid with their own money the expenses of a stu- 
dent from Yale, James Nichols, and sent him over to England to be 
ordained as their minister. This divine, a Waterbury youth of wealthy 
family, became filled with the enthusiasm for the mother country and 
returned to take up his work in Bristol and Plymouth in 1774, being the 
last Church of England clergyman to come across the water for service 
in Connecticut. He held iTieetings in the mission house in Bristol Center 
and also at Plymovith Hollow now Thomaston. 

With the coming of war the Church of England people were in a 
predicament. Though more tolerant perhaps to individual thought 
than the Puritan church, the established church preached strong loyalty 
to church and king. Rev. Mr. Nichols was not hesitant in his utterances 
upon the controversy. He was arrested as an instigator among his 
people, which he undoubtedly was, and brought before the court at 
Hartford. At one time he was caught in an East Plymouth cellar and 
tiiircd leathered and dragged in a brook. It became so warm for him 
that he tied to Litchheld whence he made occasional visits to administer 
baptisms in his parish and possibly to attend to his real estate transac- 
tions, for some of his money was invested here. 

The staunchest friend of Rev. Mr. Nichols was Stephen Graves of 
Hanvinton. It was upon or near his property that the Tory Den was 
located. His log house at Upton, where the Prof. John C. Griggs house 
now stands, was the meeting place of the Tory leaders. Upon high 
ground, in the very ledges themselves, it was the safest council chamber 
that could be found. The Tory Den in, fact was much used as a refuge 
from this place and was probably first hit upon for this purpose. Ruth 
Graves, a bride not more than 19 years old, furnished food for the inen 
of the den, clambering nearly a mile through the wooded crags. As 
her husband became more and more suspected, he was compelled to 



Reprinted from Hartford Courant April 25, 1907. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



159 




THE TORY DEN 



PHOTO BY BRISTOL PRESS. 



resort oftener to the den. Once returning from Stratford he escaped 
from his captors near Pine Hollow hill and spent some time in the cave 
before he dared enter his home. 

The traditions in the Graves' family give us the best information 
of any about the "Sons of Liberty," and it is probable that the Graves 
homestead was the most frequent recipient of their unwelcome raids. 
"Captain Wilson's Sons" they are in one place called. Who Captain 
Wilson was is left to conjecture, but Wilson is a Harwinton name and a 
name found to fit the description is that of Captain John Wilson, who 
during these troublesome times, was Harwinton's deputy to the General 
Assembly. From the Graves family may be learned the precautions 
that the Tory families were compelled to resort to; how, while the men 
worked together on the fami of one of their number with their guns 
near at hand for protection, the women each with her children at hoine, 
listened for the sound of a horn and watched for a gliinpse of the "Sons;" 
how upon sight of the marauders she blew a loud blast upon a conch or 
horn and then laid it in its hiding place, prepared to receive the entire 
band, or how, when she heard a blast sounding in the air, blew an even 
louder one herself, that the signal might pass along to her neighbor. 
The story told that Captain Wilson once presented his pistol to the head 
of a young girl in the Graves' household and threatened to shoot her 
if she did not tell him where the noisy conch shell was concealed. 

That these bands of searchers were large is evidenced by the words 
of Moses Dunbar, who says that he was grievously abused at the hands 
of about forty men. Flogging and beating were apparently methods 
of chastisement frequently used. Hanging and stringing vip were re- 
sorted to. Nichols, the minister, it is said, was shot at. Stealing of 
food supplies was a source of great annoyance if not suffering. 

The story of Moses Dunbar should be so familiar as to need no com- 
ment. Somewhere in the Chippens Hill district it is probable that he 
lived with his wife's people, for the hom.e of his father, a Congregationalist 
in Plymouth, v.-as shut against him. A nobler minded man it would be 



160 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

hard to find. In returning from Long Island to transport his family 
thither, he was caught with a commission as captain in the King's army, 
found guilty of enlisting a man for that army, and was hanged at Hart- 
ford, Anarch 19, 1777, being the only Tory executed as such in Connecticut. 
On South Chippens Hill lived probably Isaac W. Shelton, who at the 
time the war began, was about 19 years of age. Judging by his later 
life, he was a man of ability. He left the section early and went to the 
British, being one of the guides that assisted at the destruction of Danbury. 

Furtherest of any from the cliff, in the Fall Mountain section, on the 
top of Todd Hill, lived Chauncey Jerome, the most picturesque of the 
Tories. The house in which he lived is supposed to be the place known 
as Nathan Tuttle's store, which burned a few years ago, on the three 
corners near where the fishing club of Bristol has recently constructed 
a small lake. Erect in bearing, fully six feet in height, and of niuscular 
build, he was a man of spirit and filled with the courage of his convic- 
tions and was not afraid to express them. A crowd captured him, 
pulled his shirt up over his head, tied him to a tree, and preparing to 
flog him, w^hen he wrenched himself away, leaving his shirt on the tree, 
and ran to the house of his brother-in-law, Jonathan Pond, who stood 
at the door with gun in hand, forbidding any to enter. 

The Tory Den was famihar ground to Jerome and it is probable 
that he was one of the leaders at the secret councils. He lived to be an 
old man and is described as often walking toward Chippens Hill with 
dignified, but resolute step with the aid of a stout staff, his nose slightly 
aquiline, his eyes as keen as an eagle's and almost fierce, when unex- 
pectedly overtaken upon the roadway by any whose faces were not 
familiar to him, his forehead high and broad, with thin white locks 
falling gracefully nearly to his shoulders. 

He was one of the seventeen prisoners from Bristol who were found 
to be under the influence of one Nichols, a designing church clergyman, 
and to have refused to go in the expedition to Danbury. Of his sisters, 
Ruth was the wife of Stephen Graves, Phebe was the wife of Moses Dun- 
bar, and Jerusha was the wife of Jonathan Pond. Jonathan Pond lived 
at the foot of Fall Mountain, in the house now owned by Martin Konop- 
aski, in the town of Plymouth. He bought the place from Rev. Mr. 
Nichols. He was a blacksmith and formerly lived on Chippens Hill, 
which accounts for his intimate relations with the people there. He 
was not of the Episcopal faith. He paid for one substitute to fight 
for him in the war and owned a half interest in another and was a mem- 
ber in good and regular standing in a Bristol military company. 

The troublesome times of '77 passed away and as American success 
became more pronounced the Tories disappeared or became Patriots, 
some of them fighting nobly for the patriot cause. Stephen Graves 
and Chauncey Jerome remained Tories to the end of the war, and the 
name clung to them. Those who left their homes and were less remem- 
bered as Tories, as Isaac W. Shelton, or as Mark Prindle of Harwinton, 
returned and were restored to influential positions in the communities 
in which they lived. The question of whether to stay or flee must have 
been a difficult one to solve. The moving of a family of such size as 
they had in those days was no easy matter and the prospect of losing 
all one's properties was not alluring. Captain Abraham Hickox, a 
deputy sheriff in Waterbury, withdrew to the British lines and his Han- 
cock property was confiscated, including the mill at Greystone, and 
was developed in the interests of the state. To a man unmarried such 
as is supposed was the case with Isaac Shelton, flight was the natural 
solution. To one having property, flight was also feasible. Yet Moses 
Dunbar tried it and didn't succeed. General Washington, during his 
six months' dictatorship, after the battle at Princeton, issued a procla- 
mation promising no molestation to Tories who would leave the country. 
It was on this proclamation that Moses Dunbar was relying when he 
left the safe confines of Long Island and returned for his family. 

In 1791, St. Mathew's parish was founded at East Plymouth, and 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 161 

the church was built, which is now standing within tw^o miles of the 
Tory Den. This parish was made up of the Episcopolians of Bristol, 
to whom were united some from Harwinton, and soine from Plymouth, 
who it is said were displeased that their new meeting house had been 
built at Plymouth Hollow, rather than on Town Hill. The members 
chosen to present the petition for the formation of this new parish to 
the Legislature, was the prosperous Isaac W. Shelton, and he, with 
Stephen Graves, were two of the four upon the building committee. 
The church was dedicated in 1795, by Bishop Seabury, which dedication, 
together with one in a nearby parish, was his last ofiftcial act before his 
death. Alexander Viets Griswold, the first minister, became later a 
noted bishop. The name of Stephen Graves appears once as selectman 
in Harwinton, showing that his Tory reputation was being forgotten. 
Chauncey Jerome, to the day of his death, was known as Jerome, the Tory. 

The populous nature of the country in those times can be guessed 
today by the size of the church. Services are held in the building oc- 
casionally during the siimmer months, with no heating apparatus but 
a low wood stove, with stiff backed seats and creaky floor, a living rem- 
nant of the past. Certain of the old families have clung to it through 
thick and thin, until hardly a one remains and no services not of the 
Episcopal fonn has ever been held within its w^alls. 

A tradition which is probably rehable states that Eli TerryJ ,ri 
wished to purchase from Luman Preston the Marsh mill and property 
for manufacturing purposes, "having found out that Poland brook could 
be turned into the Old Marsh pond," but Preston, who was a strong 
churchman, would not sell. One reason given was that the building up 
of a factory village would ruin the church. 

The shops of Bristol and Terry ville are drawing away the life of wha:^ 
was once a thriving community of farmers, but as the Tory Den reminds 
one of the warlike attitude of some of the church's ardent supporters, 
the church building also reminds of their intense religious loyalty, a 
people of whom Bishop Griswold quaintly writes were "mostly religious 
and all comparatively free from vice." 



162 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE LEATHER MAN. 



By Alice M. Bartholomew. 

IF NOT a resident, the "Old Leather Man" was a regular visitor in 
Bristol for many years. 

His well-known route of travel brought him from the west through 
the north part of the town, and to Forestville journeying east. 

It is said he went to a Connecticut coast town, and turned westward 
again through the southern part of the State, ending his trip at the 
Hudson River, whence he returned by a second road. 

This routine, summer sun or winter's wind were seldom allowed to 
interrupt and usually occupied thirty-four days for the circuit. 

In 18S4 and '5, he made nineteen consecutive trips of thirty-four 
days each, but during the last years of his life the periods grew longer, 
even forty days, but more often thirty-six or thirty-eight. 

Clad in a suit entirely constructed of old bootlegs laced together , 
trousers, coat, cap and sack, even moccasins of the same home make, 
and naturally of swarthy complexion, but blackened still more by wind 
and weather, he was a terrible object for little girls to meet on the side- 
walk and even some little boys rather shunned the honor. 

The picture given above is very good. It was taken without his 
knowledge from the shield of a good woman's washing hung out to dry. 

She habitually fed the traveler and knew what noon to expect his 




THE TORY DEN, WHERE THE OLD LE.\THER M.\N USED SOMETIMES TO STOP 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



163 




THE OLD LEATHER MAN. 



164 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

call. Tt is thought he never would have consented to be photograi)hed, 
had he known it. 

Much romance has been circulated about this traditional Connecticut 
character. It is even true that more than one man has worn the costume 
and title. An earlier, more gentle-bred person was known in Water- 
bury and Litchfield, whose death was a mystery, but our traveler died 
of cancer in the mouth, some twenty years ago. He >vas found in a 
•cave, where he had habitually spent the nights, near Mount Pleasant, 
New York. 

It has been said that he was a Frenchman, by name Jules Bourglay, 
•who lost a fortune in the leather business and his fiancee with it, but 
it seems much more probable that the accoimt of him offered by Mr. 
John Welton, a local historian of western Connecticut, is more trust- 
■worthv. Mr. Welton calls him a fugitive from justice and a negro. 

"Years ago," he says, "there was a notorious resort not far from 
New Hartford known as the Barkhampsted lighthouse." (There was 
always a light there at night.) "It was the rendezvous for a gang of 
thieves, white men and colored who committed all sorts of crimes. At 
last the authorities broke up the place; and would have been glad to 
capture more of the people." 

This man, in Mr. Welton's opinion was one of the half breed negroes, 
who had settled into this apparently lawful, if wandering. life. It is 
possible that the other leather-man was the Frenchman. 

There was always a small package in the bottom of our traveler's 
sack, which he would not allow any curious friend to even touch. This 
led to a httle suspicion that he might possiblv be the bearer of some 
valuable, in a business way. The regularity and persistency with which 
he traveled, would be thus accounted for. It was noted that no such 
package was found in his sack, in the cave. It must have been delivered 
before he lay down to die, and the wonder expressed at the time, whether 
a successor would some time follow him, has apparently beenanswered 
in the contrarv. 



* .1 





■pL_„«MMU3i-ir<>V?S«. V *r 





TiiK i.oc. r.\niN, Un \\(ilc(Hl .Miuunain Aiter An he Su 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



105 




BITS OF PEQUABUCK SCENERY, 

{Photcgraphs by Milo Leon Norton.) 



1G6 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE PEQUABUCK RIVER 



By Milo Leon Norton. 




MILO LEON NORTON 




HE was born of the^hills, of the royal hills, 
And the nymphs of the fountains and laughing 

rills, 
Poured out their treasures of jewels rare, 
To deck the couch of the princess fair. 

Queen Summer came from her leafy bowers. 
To crown the babe with a wreath of flowers; 
And the Frost King brought her a diadem, 
Inwrought with many a beautiful gem. 

'Twas'a peaceful valley she wandered through. 
Where the supple willows and alders grew. 
Through meadows where daisies nod and bend. 
And trees their^welcoming anns extend. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 1(57 



Or, lingering oft in some silent pool, 
vShe would sleep and dream in the shadows cool; 
Then dancing and tripping from stone to stone, ' 
She would sing in a mellow undertone. 

But, oh ! an enemy came one day, 
As she leaped and laughed in her innocent play ; 
And he, in his sordid soul, decreed 
Henceforth she must minister to his need. 

He reasoned that if, in the Calvinist plan. 
To be damned is the fate of degenerate man, 
Were it foreordained, then it might be true. 
This stream to be dammed was predestined too. 

So they piled up a barrier huge of stone. 
Which directly athwart her path was thrown; 
And she beat and struggled against it in vain, 
Her liberty fearing she ne'er would regain. 

But at last, with a rage that she could not conceal. 
She sprang at the flukes of the miller's wheel. 
W^ith a dash, and a crash, and a deafening sound. 
The brimming buckets spun round and round. 

Then quickly again she flowed along. 
And filled the air with a gleeful song; 
Through dingle and dell wound in an out, 
Or leaped o'er the rocks with a joyful shout; 

Or, dallying oft in some quiet nook. 
She would welcome a tribute-bearing brook. 
And thus she journeyed for manv a mile. 
With a rhythmic flow and a happy smile. 

But along her course, again and again. 
She was made to toil for designing men. 
Who would seek her lithesome steps to stay. 
And make her a prisoner day by day. 

But the wily river would quiet keep, 
And gather strength for a final leap. 
Their barriers clear with defiant roar. 
Then flow on her winding way once more. 

Sometimes when the clouds their burden shed. 
And the brooks and the rills had been overfed'. 
She would give full vent to her pent-up wrath,' 
And sweep the offending walls from her path. 

But she came at last to mourn and grieve. 
For the tranquil life she used to live; 
And the East Wind chanced to hear 'her sigh, 
And it touched his heart as he hurried by. 

So he stopped in his flight, and whispered low: 
"Wouldst thou escape from thv human foe? 
Then hasten away to yonder p'lain, 
And there thy emancipation gain." 



168 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



So she sought the plain and found, at last, 

Her lot in delightful places cast. 

And she hastened not but took her ease, 

'Mid the fragrant flowers and the stately trees. 

And oft she lingered in peaceful rest, 
With the shadows flickering on her breast, 
Meandering hither and yon at will, 
"With a current placid, deep and still. 




ft'-u^ 



ALONG THE PEQUABLCK. 

( Photographs by Milo Leon Xorton.) 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



1G9 



"^ 







THE UNITING OF THE PEQUABUCK AND TUNXIS RIVERS, NEAR FARMINGTON 

CONNECTICUT. 



And thus she came to an ancient town, 
Where the Tunxis was pouring his waters down; 
And he bade the gentle river to come 
And find in his bosom her future home. 



She blushed with the glow of the sunset red, 
When she heard what her fluvial lover said; 
For King of the rivers, grand, was he, 
And she his beautiful Queen would be 

So down where the clerical elm tree stood, 
His chancel the marge of the shadowy wood. 
Where the ash and the Hnden stood side by side, 
There the sycamore gave away the bride. 

Then the blushing Ijride and the bridegroom gay, 
Went joyously, lovingly, on their way; 
W^hile the oaks and maples along the bank. 
To the health of the bridal waters drank. 



170 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



•^^- 
•^'^^- 


Qlnngr^Qcittnual (ElTurrlr 


■^^ 
•^^^- 



An Historical Address Delivered October 12, 1897, by 
Epaphroditus Peck. 




JUDGE epaphroditus PECK. 



WHEN Rome was imperial mistress, of the world, the people 
used to say, "All roads lead to Rome;" and Thomas Carlyle, 
in Sartor Resratus, repeats the thought with the sentence, 
"Any road, this simple Entepfuhl road, will lead you to the 
end of thfe world." 

It is a like thought that fills with interest the study of the history 
of an old New England Congregational Church. Not so much the 
charm of landscape or variety of incident along the way, but that the 
road leads back to those great, unique, pioneer days of Puritanism, 
when, here in New England, such a people lived and fought and wor- 
shipped God as the world has never seen elsewhere. 

Not that like earnest and strenuous strains of character have not 
appeared in many nations and in all times; but never elsewhere, unless 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



171 




C i > .\H -, R E G A T I O N A L CHURCH 1907. 



in Hebrew history, has a country been populated and institutions es- 
tablished by a community in whom a natural earnestness and an intense 
desire for the strenuotis things in character and life had been intensified 
by persecution and exile, until the Kingdom of God and His righteousness 
had become the supreme interest of the state, the foundation of society, 
and the constantly controlling thought and purpose of all individual life. 

The little Independent churches which had been formed in England 
represented in themselves the advanced left wing of Protestantism, in 
in which not only papal, but also royal, episcopal, and presbyterian 
supremacy was denied, and the pure simplicity of apostolic days sought 
after, with that intensity of purpose which those who sympathize with 
its aims call godly zeal, and others call fanaticism. Persecution, even 
to poverty, imprisonment and death, purged away all indifferent adherents 
and exile sifted out the most stalwart and heroic as seed for the new 
country. 

A pioneer population is always made up of daring and adventurous 
spirits; but what other land ever saw a pioneer population whose daring 
was daring to leave all for the service of God, whose radicalism was in 
earnestness of consecration, whose search was not for gold, nor for the 
fountain of perpetual youth, but for treasure in heaven, and assvirance 
of eternal life. 

The narrow and unlovely sides of the Puritan character were evi- 
dent enough to inspire hatred and ridicule from their contemporaries, 
and to make them the object of much satire and criticism in later histor- 
ical writing; but in spite of an ideal of character which largely omitted 
the gentler and more amiable qualities, in spite of a sense of duty to 
others which included little charity for weakness or toleration of dif- 
ferences of opinion, in spite of a conception of God based on the Hebrew 
ideal of the Old Testament rather than on the Christian ideal of the New 
Testament, the Puritan immigrants laid in New England such granite 
foundations of individual character and of church and state, that, with 



172 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

all the changes of time, we can still feel that our house will not readily 
fall before the winds and floods, for it was founded tipon a rock. 

The settlement of this community does not, of course, date from 
the very beginning of the Puritan colonial life, We are of the fourth 
generation. Newtown begat Hartford, Hartford begat Farmington, 
and Farmington begat New Cambridge. 

The first settlement here, in 1728, was a century after the coming 
of the Mayflower. And, in that century, the intensity of the Puritan 
spirit had no doubt much moderated. The days of persecution in 
England had passed by, and settlers had begun to come to New England 
for many other reasons than to find a refuge for the safe exercise of their 
religion. A century of quiet prosperity on this side of the water was 
of itself likely to take the edge from the fierceness of the early Puritan 
zeal. 

But time then moved far more slowly thtm now. The ox-cart 
fairly symbolized the intellectual movement of the time, as the loco- 
motive, the bicycle and the electric fluid do that of today; and I think 
the new Cambridge settlers of 1728 and 1747 were still closely akin in 
spirit to their fathers of early Plymouth and Salem. 

The idea of a total separation of church and state, so fundamental 
in our modern system, would have been abhorrent to them To their 
thought the first concern of every community was to set up and unitedly 
carry on the worship of God; the minister must be found even- before 
the schoolmaster or the constable; and no evil behavior was more of- 
fensive to the feelings of the community, or deemed more harmful to 
its good order, than neglect of the services of the sanctuary. Every- 
where the Congregational church was the established church in the 
fullest sense; having its house of worship built by the community, its 
minister called by vote of the legal voters, paying its expenses by public 
taxation, and punishing any neglect of its services by processes of criminal 
law. 

I shall not go over the familiar story of the settlement. Tn 1728, 
the first house was built, and in 1742, fourteen years later, when the 
first ecclesiastical organization was sought, the petitioners for it were 
twenty-one, probably almost or quite the entire body of legal voters. 

What the road to the old church in Farmington was like, who can 
tell? Doubtless a mere bridle path, winding among the trees and over 
the streams. So in 1742 the little body complained to the General 
Assembly that they were "So Remote from any Meeting House in any 
ministerial sociaty in sd Town, as Renders it exceeding Difficult for us 
to attend the publick Worship of God In any place where it is sett up, 
and especially in the winter season," and with stalwart courage declared 
"that there is such a Number of persons as that we are Compitently 
able to hire a Minester, to preach ye Gospel to us In said winter season;" 
and therefore begged that they might be allowed to hire "an Authordox 
and suitably Quallifyed person to preach ye Gospel amongst us for ye 
space of six months in ye year Annually;" that is, to be a winter society, 
as the phrase was. This permission was granted, and on November 8, 
1742, the community met in society meeting, and from that day, by 
good fortune, we have the full records of the ecclesiastical society, until 
its dissolution in 1897. 

"At the same Meeting we past by Vote that we would meet at 
John browns for the winter season for the present." This John Brown 
house was on King Road, north of Pierce's Bridge. Later they met at 
Stephen Barnes's, west of the Bristol House, at Abner Matthews's, 
on the South Mountain road, at Joseph Benton's, near the John Moran 
house, at Ebenezer Barnes's, now the middle of the Julius Pierce house, 
and at John Hickox's on Chippin's Hill. 

The search for the "Authordox and suitably Quallifyed" minister 
at once began, and Mr. Thomas Canfield was engaged to preach for the 
first winter. He first preached here on December 6, 1742, and that 
was undoubtedly the first church service held in this communitv. The 



OR N'EW CAMBRIDGE. 




INTERIOR OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH SHOWING PULPIT. 



little company of some twenty families, gathered at John Brown's house 
to hear the preaching of God's word, must have had a service meagre 
and simple enough to satisfy the most extreme advocate of Puritan 
simplicity; but what a depth of joy there was in the fulfilled desire of 
their hearts, how clear the divine presence was to them in that crowded 
dwelling house, who, in these days of increased wealth and lessened faith, 
can truly appreciate? 

Mr. Canfield two years afterward began his life pastorate in Rox- 
bury. He was but twenty-two years old when here, graduated three 
years before at Yale College. In a record existing in Roxbury, he men- 
tions his winter's preaching here, referring to the place as "ye Mountain, 
now called Cambridge in Farmington." 

The next fall the society left it to the committee to hire a minister- 
and there is no record stating who was hired. But the people were 
already eager for more gospel privileges, and appointed one committee 
to apply to the town and another to the General Assembly that they 
might be a "distinkt sosiaty." The Farmington society had already 
consented, and the act of ecclesiastical incorporation was promptly 
passed. Then, being a legal society, they might settle a minister and 
so become a fully organized church of God, and to this their thoughts 
at once turned. 

A few days after the act of incorporation was passed, they met, 
chose society officers, and "Voted that we would apply ourselves to the 
next association for advice in order to the bringing in a minister amongst 
us as soon as Convenontly may be." Three days later they called Mr. 
Joseph Adams "as a probationer or candidate in order for a setelment 
amongst us in the gospel minestry." 

The Adams candidacy came to nothing, and in September a com- 
mittee was appointed to procure preaching till Deceinber, and it was 
"Voted that mr Newel should be invited first to preach wHth us." Prob- 
ably he was hired for the two following months, and the varying opinions 
which people formed of him led to the long contest over his settlement, 
and finally to the division of the church; for this church's history began 
with a schism instead of ending with one. 



174 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



On December 3, 1744, it was "Voted that we would hire mr samll 
Newel for our minester in Case it should be the advice of the assosion 
and theire was seven on the negitive." This negative vote of seven is 
the first appearance of the breach in the society. In January, 1745, 
the vote to hire Mr. Newell was again passed, and negotiation about 
the amount of his settlement and salary was begun. In October, 1745, 
a third vote was passed "that we would have mr samll Newel seteled 
amongst us in the gospel minestry — there was 28 in the afarmitive and 2 
in the negetive." Whether the vote w'as taken on this resolution before 
the opposition had arrived, or whether the arguments against Mr. Newell 
were not given a fair hearing we do not know ; but this at least appears 
on record, that "Moses lym.an John hikox Abel Royce Abner mathews 
Stephen Brooks and Caleb Palmer have hear entered a protest against 
the management of sd sosiaty meeting." In the difficulty, recourse 
was had to the peculiar Congregational tribunal, a "counsel of Minesters 
to hear and detennine any deferences that are amongst us with Respect 
to our seteling mr sainll Xewil as our gospel ininester." That council 
inet on November 13 and the same day, doubtless after it had advised 
them to agree on some other man. and adjourned, the majority sub- 
inissively voted to "pay and satisfi unto mr samll newil the ful and 
just sum of three pounds m.ony of the old lener per sabbath he hath 
preachd" and to square up all his board bills. 

Then follows for two years a trial of other candidates, but the hearts 
of the inajority evidently remained steadfast to their first choice, and 
no one but Mr. Newell gave satisfaction. At length they would no 
longer be deprived of the minister of their choice by a refractory minority, 
and in March, 1747, he was again called to settle among them, if the 
association advised. The vote was thirty-six to ten. 

In the next resolution there is a tone of despair and exhausted 
patience; "if the above assosiation dont advise us to mr samll newel as 



I 




iju'nujiuum""*''"'"'"''^'''''"'''''"" 



RESIDENCE WILFRED H. NETTLETON AND WILLIAM E. WIGHTMAN, MAPLE 

STREET. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 175 

abovesd our committee shall ask there advice Who we shall apply our- 
selves next to preach the gospel to us." 

• But manifestly the council felt that if the little society could agree 
on no one in three years they could never agree, and that the majority 
were entitled to have their so long deferred wish; they approved the 
society's action, and in July, 1747, the society voted to proceed with 
settlement of Mr. Newell. 

And then the long growing opposition culminated and eight men 
made their formal revolt. "And here it must be noted that at the 
same meeting Caleb mathews Stephen Brooks John hikox Caleb Aber- 
nathy Abner mathews Abel Royce danell Roe & simon tuttel publikly 
declard themselvs of the Church of England and under the bishop of 
london." Nehimiah Royce followed in a few weeks. 

This revolt must have been no trifling matter to the little society. 
Caleb Matthews was chairman of the society's committee and also of 
the building committee, which was then making plans for a meeting- 
house. Abner Matthews was also on the' building committee. John 
Hickox had been the first society treasurer, and the others were men of 
prominence in the community. 

The real ground of difference between the two parties was un- 
doubtedly theological ; with the passage of time a feeling of dissent to 
the rigid Calvinism of the Puritan church had spread in the New England 
colonies. This more liberal element, xVrniinian in theological tendency, 
found a refuge in the Episcopal church, then having a precarious foot- 
hold in Connecticut and the only rival religious body to the dominant 
C^ongregationalism. Parson Newell was certainly a stalwart exponent 
of old-fashioned, thoroughbred, Calvinistic doctrine; and it is a curious 
fact that two ministers who had been preaching as candidates for the 
Congregational pastorate, apparently the choice of the minority, were 
very soon after serving the Episcopal church as its rectors, Messrs. 
Ichabod Camp and Christopher Newton. 

The people now had a pastor, to whom their fidelity had been con- 
firmed by opposition and intensified by the long delay, and with the 
preparations for his ordination were united preparations for "gathering 
the chvirch." The society, which had thus far been acting, was the legal, 
municipal corporation, but now the spiritual body of Christ's covenanted 
followers was to be formed. 

"The church was gathered at the lecture preparatory to the ordi- 
nation of and consisted of about twenty male members-" exactlv twenty 
of each sex, if our present roll is correct. The ordination was on Tuesday, 
August 12, 1747, and the fomiation of the church on the lecture day 
(probably Friday, August 8,) previous. Three neighboring ministers, 
Messrs. Whitman of Farmington, Colton of Hartford, and Curtiss of 
Southington, were invited to assist at the solemn fast by which the 
membership of the new church consecrated themselves to God's service 
in this new relation, and the same ministers, with two others, and rep- 
resentatives of their churches, assisted at the ordination. 

I do not know what was the ceremonial of formation of the church ; 
doubtless it was simple in the extreme, with only a pioneer dwelling 
house for sanctuary, and little to exalt the imagination except the con- 
secrated joy of the people and their .sense of the divine presence and 
benediction, as with fasting and prayer they set up in this community, 
for all time to come, the altar of the living God. 

The long uncertainty about a minister had not prevented the little 
coinmunity from, making early plans for a meeting-house. In March, 
1745, the society had asked the General Assembly to fix the site for a 
meeting-house, and, in May, had voted by a large majority that they 
would build a meeting-house "as soon as with Conveniancy may be," 
and in December, that it should be forty feet by thirty in size. 

They bought of Joseph Benton the ground whereon we now stand, 
for four potinds, and by the united efforts of the people, who got out 



176 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




REnnENCR Wll.l.isAi I. I RACY, BELLEV'JE AVENUE. 




RESIDENCE JOSEPH B. SESSIONS, BELLEVUE AVENUE. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 177 

the timber and together raised the building, paying for the finishing by 
taxation, the little house was built. It seems to have been occupied 
in 174S or early in 1749, but was not completed until 1753. 

Nor did the church's exertions cease with having assumed the sup- 
port of a minister and the erection of a meeting-house; at the same 
meeting at which the ordination was arranged for, they appointed a 
committee to build Mr. Newell's house; and it was no mean one, either. 
Thirty-eight feet by twenty-three on the ground, lathed and plastered 
in the parlor and bedroom, and ceiled int he dwelling-room, it was in- 
tended to be fit for the occupancy of the man whose superiority in 
consideration over any other man in the community wovild be unques- 
tioned. 

And a year later it was resolved "that we would have a lawful school 
in this sosiaty." 

No wonder that the taxes were appalling in their size; an eight 
penny rate was laid in October, 174S, to finish the meeting-house, in 
Deceinber a two shilling rate for the same purpose, and in the same 
month one of four shillings "besides what we have already laid." Six 
shillings and eight pence on the pound is thirty-three and one third per 
cent! What do degenerate later days think of a tax like that? No 
wonder that "at the same meeting Benjamin Brooks declared himself 
to be of the Church of England," and that Stephen Brooks, Jr., and 
Joseph Gaylord followed soon after, and no wonder that the residents 
the next month petitioned the General Assembly for a tax on the land 
in the society "only on the unresidents." 

Of this first meeting-house we have no picture or full description. 
It was undoubtedly a plain, unadorned, rectangular building, with steep 
roof: it had galleries, though they were not finished for several years. 
The floor was divided into twelve pews; not narrow, low affairs like our 
present pews, but large high-walled divisions, almost rooms, in each of 
which the adults of several families might sit. There were also two 
"seats," probably benches, filling spaces left vacant by t»e pews. 

It stood some sixty feet northeast of this building, and stood north 
and south, the front end to the north. 

On the west side was the high pulpit with its approaching stairs. 
No sounding board is mentioned, and it would hardly seem that it could 
have been necessarv in so small a building; but in Puritan church archi- 
tecture the sounding board served to give dignity and solemnity to the 
pulpit, rather than to supply an acoustic necessity. There certainly 
was one in the second church, and I have little doubt that it was also 
in the first. 

One important function of the old church that has been entirely 
dropped in otir modern democratic days was the dignification of the 
meeting-house, and the seating based on that dignification. The com- 
mittee to dignify the meeting-house was appointed as soon as the building 
was complete and annually reappointed. They determined the rela- 
tive dignity of each pew; and then the seating committee had the in- 
finitely more delicate task of determining the dignity of each family, 
or rather of each adult person, for the entire family did not sit together, 
and of assigning the most worthy person to the most worthy pew, and 
so on in regular order down to the pews under the stairs, which were the 
lowest in rank. What a strain on Christian fellowship and on social 
friendships that must have been! Think of having it officially deter- 
mined who was superior to you and who inferior, in regular order of the 
entire community; and of the ignominy of being formally decided to 
be the least worthy family in the entire congregation! Fortunately 
for the peace of the committee, the rules for fixing the dignity of each 
man or unmarried woman (I think the wives went according to the rank 
of their hvisbands and sat with them) were definitely fixed. The grand 
list was taken as the starting point, (let no one say that reverence for 
wealth is a modern invention,) and it was the adopted rule "to alow every 
person fifty shillings per year for his age, all so a Captain twenty pound, 



178 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




MAIN STREET, 1UU7, NORTH FROM R, R. BRIDGE. 




.M.\l.\ .llCI.i.l, I'.'H, .^^.■^.lll 1 IvuM IIU.II STREET. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



179 



to a leut ten and to an ensign five." Still further deference was paid 
to age by providing that all over fifty years of age should be seated at 
the discretion of the seaters, and within this discretionary class I should 
think that the duties must have been delicate indeed. Even children 
were seated by the committee, "men kind at sixteen years old, and 
females at fotirteen." 



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/■,,■ i'S" c-L>S<. IS?^. -^ 



PLAN OF CHURCH DIGNIFICATION FROM ORIGINAL NOW IN 

POSSESSION OF JUDGE EPAPHRODITUS PECK. 

The following is the detail of the Congregational Church Dignification 
of about the year 1830 (exact date not known).' The spelling of the 
original has been followed. In the case of many of the women's names, 
it is impossible to tell whether the title is Wid. (wi'dow) or Mrs. Each 
group of names represents the occupants of one pew or seat as indicated; 

No. 1, N. OF THE Pulpit, Wid. Munson, Wid. Muzzy, Wid. Hulda Churchill, Wid. 
Sarah Newejl. 

No. 1, S. OF THE Pulpit. Rev. Jona. Cone, Dea. Ira Hooker. Dea. Bryan Hooker. 

No. 1, N. OF THE Alley, James Lee, Eli Lewis. Reuben Ives, Thomas Barns, Hubbell 
Stephens, Mrs. Rachel Gaylord. 

No. 1. S. OF THE Alley, Wife of Abel Lewis, Wm. Lee, Asa Upson, Isaac Norton, 
Lament Peck. 

No. 2, North, Aron Norton, Wid. Mary Pierce, Elezer Norton, Enos Ives, Esq. 

No. 2, South, James Steele, Joel Norton, Abel Allen, James Holt, Mrs. Martha Lewis, 
Mrs. Philene Wilcox, Mary Beckwith. 

No. 3, 'North, Oliver Gridley. Roger Lewis, Wm. Jerrome, Wid. Adams, Wid. Lomis. 

No. 3, South, Luke Adams, James Frances, Bezaliel Bowin, Jesse Gaylord, Mrs. Root. 

No. 4, North, Abel Frisbi, Benj. Hart, Ithural Hart, Lydia Churchill, Stephen Rowe. 

No. 4, South, Thos. Barns Jr., Elijah Manross, Ebenezer Darrow, Jabez Roberts, 
Wid. of I. Yale. 

No. .5, North, Noah Byington, Dr. Titi:s Merriman, Lazarus Hard, Solomon Payne, 
Mrs. Sarah Lee. 

No. 5, South, Ira Churchill, Betsey Gridlev, George Upson, Seth Hart, Wid. Jemima 
Peck. 

No. 6, North, Asahel Cowles, Wid. Tuttle, Selah Richards, James Hadsell, Wid. 
Eunice Beckwith, James Lee Jun. 

No. 6, South. Seth Richards, Sam'l Gavlord, Wid. Woodard. Martin Byington, * 
Bradley, Wid. Rhoda Russell. 

* Illegible. 

No. 7, North, Asahel Clarke, Wid. Sarah Gaylord, Sam'l Brooks, Noah Lewis, Wid. 
Boardman. 

( v( No. 7, South, Samuel Peck, Elisha Gridle>-, Calvin Hart, Elizabeth Johnson, Naomi 
Royce, Joel Baldwin, Wid. Hanna Mix. 

No. 8, North, Asa Bartholomew, Nath'nl W^. Bishop, Seth Barnes, Abel Yale, Azariah 
Johnson. 

No. 8, South, Th'S is evidently omitted. Probably stairs, a stove, or something 
took its place. It may have been a "free seat." 

No. 9, North, Eli Lewis Jr., Luman Carrington, Jonathan Pond, Roxana Lewis 
Mr?.. Mary Newell. 

No. 9, South, Thomas Botsford, Eli Parsons, Renben Ives, Jun., Dodd Hungerford. 



180 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



No. 10, North, Ira Ives, Philo Pierce, David Norton Hannah Bradley, Chauncy 
Hooker. 

No. 10, South, Sam'l Mackie, Wm. Torp, Damaris Lewis, Miles Lewis, Joseph Byington 

No. 11, North, Silas Gridley, Arron Norton, Mrs. Fanny Newell, Dea. Chas. G. Ives. 
Ephrain Cluver. 

No. 11, South, Elisha Stephens, Joseph Ives, Sybel Steele, Wife of Asahel Norton 
Joel Norton Jr., David Root. 

No. 12, North, Isaiah Norton, Sheldon Rich, Roger Norton, Mark Norton, Sam'l 
Benham. 

No. 12 South, John Case, Wm. Lee Jun., D, R Wolcott, Seth Gaylord, Martin Hart. 
John Birge, V.'ife of Lemuel W Parker. 

No. 13, North. Clark Carrington, Elisha Horton, Shadrach Pieice, Wife of Lot Newell, 
Dan Hill, Rosannah Bradlev, Levina Lewis. 

No. 13, South, Chester Lewis, Tracy Peck, Alva Gridley, John .Bradley, Sally Peck. 

No. 14, North, Sam'l Botsford, Truman Larcum, Cyrus Lewis, James Hart, Horace 
Adams, Betsey Bradley. 

No. 14, South, Richard Peck, Ben.i. H. Rich, Alon.'.o Thompson, Chauncy Boardman, 
Lurena Brown. 

No. 15, North, Theodore Lewis, Reuben Hough, Jeremiah Royce, Newell Byington, 
Geo. Bulkley. 

No. 15, South, Russell Richards, Wells R. Byington, Roswell Brainard, Chauncey 
Ives, Jerusha Johnson. 

No. 16, North, Dana Carrington, Orrin Hart, Chauncy F. Andrews, Wm. Rich, 
Dennis Rich. 

No. 16, South, John Covvles, Dill Darrow, James Adams, Barnabas Churchill, Emily 
Hinsdale. 

No. 17, North, Major Churchill, Norman Lewis, Joel Root, Asahil Hooker, Bryan 
Richards. 

No. 17, South, Eber. Hart, Elisha Brewster, Charles Sage, Wm. Darrow, Ephraim 
Wilcox. 

No. IS, North, Dr. Pardy, Wi.^e of Alon/.o Hart * David Munson, Sheldon Lewis, 
Phillip Barns. * There is a word before David Munson which seems to be "i^ f ts" (and 
others"). 

No. 18, South. Wm. Hubbell, Dana Beckwith, Asa Thompson, Titus M. Roberts. 

No. 19, North, Nehemiah Peck, Sylvester Peck, Asahel Mix, Alpheus Bradley, 
Major S. Wilson, Bryan Churchill, Benona Thompson. 

No. 19, South, Allen Birge, Geo. Hooker, Harry Henderson, John Bacon, Th'oph'ls 
Smith, Augustus Hart. 




RESIDliNCE R. K. LIXSLEV, HIGH STREET. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 181 

Seats were made in the "alleys" for the children, and the young 
men were assigned the pew next the east door, till the galleries should 
be finished. 

So you can form your niental picture of the quaint little room; 
the pulpit high in majestic dignity towering above all, the deacons and 
older men and women in the nearer pews, Deacon Manross and some 
other elders wearing white starched caps, the other pews filled with 
grave adults, young men in the gallery or rear pew, children in benches 
in the aisle; where the young women were the record saith not, but I 
suppose in the opposite side of the gallery from their brothers and beaux. 

Even before the church was built, Joseph Benton and David Gay- 
lord were successively elected choristers, and afterward, in 1761, Elisha 
Manross to assist Deacon Gaylord in setting the psalm; that is, I suppose, 
in announcing the tune to be used, after the minister had announced 
the psalm, giving the key and lining out the verses; in 1774, Gideon 
Roberts, the father of clockmaking here, was chosen chorister, "to 
serve upon the same Regulations «S: with ye same restrictions as appointed 
by the church in their Last act in that affair." What these regulations 
and restrictions were we know not, for the church records of that time 
are gone; but that the}^ had to do with the conflict of that time between 
those who wished to sing by rote, that is, by their memory of the few 
familiar old tunes, and those who preferred to sing by note, that is, 
from printed notes of the music, we cannot doubt. To the conservatives 
singing from printed notes was as bad as reading from printed prayers. 

I may add here that this first church was sufficient for the needs 
of the growing society only a few years. It had only been completed 
thirteen years, when in 1766, it was voted "to do sonithing in prepration 
for building a new meeten hous." In June, 1768, it was voted to build 
at once, by a vote of sixty-three to six. New taxes were evidently 
coming, and a new departure to the Church of England took place. 

In 1770 the second meeting-house was raised, and finished the 
next year. It was sixty-five by forty-five feet in size, had some striving 
for architectural beauty in its arched door and round window, and was 
of highly cheerful color. "Voted to Colour the above sd meeting-house 
viz: the Body of sd house spruce yellow and the Dores and windows 
of said house white. 

Voted to Colour the Roof of our new meeting-house Spanish Brown." 
There were forty-one pews on the floor, of the old-fashioned square 
type, reached by aisles that ran transversely, instead of from the door 
to the pulpft. The custom of dignifying the pews, and seating the 
congregation by their respective dignities, still existed and was continued 
as long as the second church was used. I have in my hand a "dignifi- 
cation" of that building, and a report of the seating committee of about 
1830.* To this building a steeple was added, considerably altering its 
appearance, in 17'.I7, and a bell for the first time called the people to 
divine service. This meeting-house was occupiv,d till 1832, when 
additional room was again needed and the body of the present church 
building was built. Then for the first time the old-fashioned pews 
were given up, and the modern narrow pews, or "slips," as they were 
then called, were used. 

If we could be taken back to the davs of that first little meeting- 
tiouse, its surroundings would seem no less strange to us than its interior. 
The little Episcopal church opposite, the sabba'-day houses where the 
worshippers might be warmed and refreshed during the noon inter- 
mission, the whipping-post and stocks at the head of the green, the 
vacant fields stretching in every direction, Avould make a picture quaint 
indeed to our eyes. Two dwelling houses at Doolittle's Corner, and 
three on Queen street, were the only ones within a circuit of nearly a 
mile. Parson Newell's house, at what you know as the Dr. Pardee place, 

*See Facsimile of Plan and Dcsinnation List here mentioned on pages 179 and 180. 



182 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



was quite handy to the meeting-house, according to the roomy ideas 
of the time. 

Parson Newell served the church as its pastor forty-two years. 
He came here at the age of thirty-three, a recent graduate of Yale Col- 
lege, and died in the harness on February 10, 1789, at seventy-five years 
of age. His tomb is prominently situated at the very front of the old 
cemetery on Downs street, bearing an epitaph which has been often 
quoted for its stately beauty. 

We have unfortunately no likeness, nor even a personal description 
of him.* But enough has been preserved by tradition, and can be read 




'..iJl..ai*.T.w 



"^. 



SERMON, 



i'jii.cmri at NtK'C*MB«iD<;B, in Bri&toi, 

. . ftBRUARV !2th, lyli}, 

» ! At the FUNERj^L Ofms 

S, jP Rev. SAMUEL NEWELL, 

k //! Pastop. or the Church these. 

i 1 •^'/iio departed this Lift the lorh of Febru.irt', t-^: 

'•B '.n thf 75th Year of his Age, and n'^i of nis M^ 



Bv TIMOTHY PITKIN, A. M. 



n .4 R r f o X D: 

PRINTED BV HI:DS0.M AND G00I>W1N. 
K DCC.W. 




F.\CSIMILF. OK PARSON NEWELL S FUNERAL SER.MON. 

{Owned by Judge Peck.) 



* Rev. Timothy Pitkin, in his sermon at Mr. Newell's fimeral, thus characterized 
him: 

"It was the pleasure of the Creator of all things to furnish Mr. Newell with a good 
genius, strong mind, and solid judgment; he was well acquainted with books, things, 
and men; a sociable and faithful friend, of a steady and firm fortitude of mind; yet had 
tender feelings in his own, and in the distress of others; was an open, plain-hearted, honest 
man; spake his opinion freely and without flattery, gave every one his due; and do not 
know that I ever saw the man who was a greater stranger to envy. As to his theological 
knowledge, was a good and thorough Divine, especially in practical divinity, and experi- 
mental. Sound in the faith, willing all should know his principles. 

As a preacher, his sermons well composed and methodised, aimed not so much at 
the ornaments of language and beauties of style, as the truth, for he determined to know 
nothing among his people save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. He did not daub with 
untempered mortars, nor play around men's consciences as if he was afraid to give them 
pain and uneasiness, but thundered forth the law to rouse vip and alarm sinners, and 
displayed the glorious wonders of redeeming love; in short, was a plain, fervent, experi- 
mental preacher; for he appeared to preach those truths which he felt in his own heart, 
and that Jesus whom he kniw." 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 183 

between the lines of the record book, to give a good conception of his 
personal character. I think of him as the typical Puritan divine ; strongly 
orthodox in a time whose liberalism would be thought almost niedieval 
today, standing by virtue of his sacred office in a position of awful 
superiority to his flock, incarnating in his stately figure, human dignity 
and divine authority alike. 

When he entered the church, the people rose and reverently saluted 
him, and he mounted the pulpit, and then gracefully returned the salu- 
tation; when he passed the children in the street they hushed their plays, 
uncovered, and made their deepest bows and curtseys; when his death 
was announced, an unspeakable solemnity filled the community, and 
one little girl is said to have asked her mother with trembling lips, 
"Mamma, is God dead, too?" 

It is quite certain that he was not so absorbed in divine things 
as to neglect those of this world. He understood his rights and could 
assert them vigorously, as you will see. He was an extensive land 
owner, and made many purchases and sales. In his later days he seems 
to have been one of the substantial property owners of the town. At 
least one of his sales, evidenced by a bill of sale still in existence, was 
of a slave boy. Job, fourteen years of age. 

His financial relations with the society were sadly tangled by the 
fluctuating currencies of the time. The salary offered him in the original 
negotiations of 1745 was fixed at a sliding scale to increase from one 
hundred pounds to two hundred and forty-five pounds, in bills of the 
old tenor, "which shall be mr Newels standing salery;" besides a set- 
tlement of five hundred pounds. At the next meeting the provision 
was added, that the bills should be rated at thirty-two shillings to the 
ounce of silver. This ratio of silver is at least four or five to one. At 
the next meeting a guarantee was added that they would always make 
good the discount of money, "so that thirty-two shillings shall be as 
good as one ounce of silver." These careful provisions against loss by 
the depreciation of the paper bills were, I have no doubt, required, or 
at least suggested, by the shrewd business sense of the pastor-expectant. 

In 1747, when the final call was given, a new currency was extant, 
which for the moment was good, and a salary was offered of thirty 
povmds of the new currency, and to rise as the list rose until it reached 
seventy pounds, which might be paid in grain at stated prices. Probably 
Mr. Newell did not approve of the smaller amount and better money, 
for two weeks later the basis was changed to bills of the old tenor, be- 
ginning at one hundred and forty pounds a year, and increasing to three 
hundred pounds, "which we covenant and agree to make as good to 
him then as 3 hundred pound now is and further we agree that if mr newel 
and we shall not agree as to the value of our Paper bills on consequnely 
with Respect of the unstaidyness of our Paper bills that then and from 
time to time as ofen as occation shall Require will mutially Choose a 
Committee of uninterested persons to ajust the matter Between us." 

It will be noticed that in changing from the new currency to the 
old the amount was increased nearly five times ; and that there was an 
evident expectation of still further depreciation to be adjusted. 

In 1759 the expected crisis had come, and the society appointed a 
committee of conference with Mr. Newell, and on their advice passed 
a new vote. "Whereas the medium of trade is altered," to pay him 
thereafter, instead of the three hundred pounds old bills to which he 
was then entitled, fifty-five pounds "Lawful Mony that is silver at six 
shillings and eight pence per ounce or an ekuevelent in Connetocut 
Late emishons." 

With this scaling down to a hard money basis peace was restored 
till the early days of the Revolution, when Parson Newell demanded an 
equivalent for the new depreciation, and the people, who were doubtless 
just as much distressed by the shrinkage of their money as he, refused. 

In 1778, he wrote in the society's record book, his receipt for ";^65 



184 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



MAPLE ST. 




(1) No. 5, Mrs. A. E. North O; (2) No. 19, J. E. Andrew R, No. 21, 
Wm. Muir R; (3) No. 23, M. B. Rohan O, No. 25, W. F. Stone R; (4) 
No. 31, Henry E. Cottle R; (5) No. 67, Geo. A. Thomas O, James R. 
Hughes R: (6) No. 77, Rev. Calvin B. Moody R (Parsonage First Congre- 
gational Church); (7) No. 78, Eugene Fairchild R, R. Baldwin R; (8) 
No. 83, Theo. C. Root O; (9) No. 84, G. E. Abbott O. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 185 

Continental bills, which is equal to about one-sixth part of what is 
justly due to me." 

The next year they seem to have admitted the justice of his claims, 
and voted to pay him three hundred and ninety pounds "of the Present 
Curency" instead of the sixty-five pounds; but, alas for our financial 
record! a week later they reconsidered this vote, and resolved to pay 
sixty-five pounds of the present currency for salary. 

The result was the following remarkable receipt: — "Xew Cambridge 
Decbr 1 1771) Altho the Society of New Cambridge as a Society have 
not rendered to me what was Justly Due by Covenant — yet a Number 
have been Just & Generous another Number have done Something 
Considerable a Considerable Number have done but a Small matter 
toward Justice yet to prevent trouble in the present world I Do Give a 
full Discharge to sd Society for what was due to me — & Refer them to 
the Last tribunal where impartial Justice will be Enqiiired after. 

Saml Newell." 

This summons of his parishioners to the bar of divine justice seems 
to have been effective with them, and in 1780 it was voted "that the 
People be at their own Liberty to pay mr Newels Rate Either in Silver 
or Continental money viz if in Silver their Equal part of 6o£ and if in 
this Courancy their ecjual part of 1300£." Probably no one had any 
silver to pay, and Mr. Newell's receipt is for the 'magnificent salary of 
thirteen hundred pounds, received in money worth five cents on the 
dollar. Such is the history of depreciated money in the affairs of this 
society. 

The nine men who seceded from the church before Mr. Newell's 
ordination, with their families, and some others who followed them 
later, formed the pre-Revolutionary Episcopal church whose history 
is so tragic and interesting, and so closely connected with the 
history of this church, that I will ask your indulgence in a 
digression of a few minutes to sketch it. The Episcopal church had at 
that time no American bishop, and but very few settled clergymen in 
New England. The church maintained a feeble existence by the labors 
of traveling missionaries and clergymen, who performed sacred offices 
in several parishes in rotation. Such offices were now obtained bj' the 
New Cambridge "churchmen;" a regular record of baptisms, beginning 
in 1747, is still in existence. The first of these officiating clergymen, 
who came here from Simsbury for several years, was Rev. William 
Gibbs.* Afterward, as has been said, Messrs. Camp and Newton, who 
had been candidates for the Congregational pastorate, served them, 
then Rev. Richard Mansfield occasionally from 1756 to 1759, Rev. James 
Scovel for about fourteen years, and, from 1774 until church services 
were suspended Rev. James Nichols. In 1754 they completed and 
opened for service a little church standing across the highway from the 
Congregational meeting-house where the north wing of the schoolhouse 
now stands. In 1758 they voted to have six days' preaching for the 
year ensuing, probably a bi-monthly communion; at other times they 
paid a quarter or a sixth of the salary of a clergyman, who gave them 
corresponding service. 

For several years the society refused to release them from its eccle- 
siastical taxation; they evidently refused payment, and the society, 
in 1749, instructed its collector "to collect the Rates of them that call 
themselves of the Church of england among us and we will defend them." 
This instruction was evidently acted on, for, a year later, the collectors 
presented a bill of charges for collecting the rates of "those that call 
themselves Churchinen," and it was allowed. 

Later, more peaceful counsels prevailed, and the churchmen were 
released from the "minester Rates as long as they do bring a Recept 
from their minester provided they will al of them Quit their Right in 



* For the tragic history of his later years see "Historical Papers Concerning the Early 
Episcopal Church of New Cambridge," by Rev. X. A. Welton, Ms., Bristol Public LiVjrary 



186 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




(10) No. 1)5, Titus E. Merriman O; (11) No. U6, Mrs. J. T. Peck O; 
(12) No. 104, E. E. Stockton O; (13) No. llo, W. H. Nettleton O, 
W. E. Wightman R; (14) No. 116, James T. Case O, A. B. Way R; (15) 
No. 126, D. T. Ogden O, H. G. White R; (16) No. 125, W. O. Perkins O, 
A. R. Nettleton R; (17) No. 130, M. H. Smith R, Andrew L. Carlson R, 
L. Norton R; ri8) No. 139, F. A. Gates O, John Walton R. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE." 187 

the meeting-house;" they had already been released from the tremendous 
meeting-house rate. Thereafter, the relations between the two churches, 
were friendly, the churchmen still acting in society meeting and holding 
office on non-ecclesiastical subjects; in 1774 and afterward it even ap- 
pears that the society appointed collectors for each body of believers, 
the churchmen's payments going to their rector and that of the Congre- 
gationalists to Mr. Newell; so that the society seems' to have really 
acted as the legal ecclesiastical organization serving both churches. 

But with the outbreak of the Revolution all this changed. The 
natural sympathies of the churchmen, who deemed themselves under 
oppression in the Congregational colony, and looked to the established 
church of England as their mother and protector, were with the crown. 
Mr. Nichols was an ardent loyalist, and nis people almost unanimously 
followed hi:n. Chippin's Hill, where most of them lived, became a 
rendezvous for Tory gatherings from all over the state, where soldiers 
were enlisted for King George, officers appointed, and information gath- 
ered to be sent to New York. Not far from there was the famous "Tory" 
den," where a few loyalists whose lives were not safe abroad, lay in 
concealment, their wives bringing them food at night.* 

The Congregationalists, on the contrary, with Parson Newell at 
their head, were stout patriots. f Naturally, the flames of hostility 
raged against the church that was deemed the hotbed of toryism. 

Let me read an extract from the printed state records of 1777, 
vol. 1, page 259 : "On report of the committee appointed by this Assembly 
to take into consideration the subject matter of the memorial of Nathl 
Jones, Simon Tuttle, Joel Tuttle, Nathaniel Matthews, John Matthews, 
Riverus Carrington, Lemuel Carrington, Zerubbabel Jerom junr, Chaun- 
cey Jerom, Ezra Donner, Nehemiah Royce, Abel Royce, George Beck- 
with, Abel Frisbee, Levi Frisbey, Jared Peck, and Abraham Waters, 
all of Farmington, showing that they are imprisoned on suspicion of 
being inimical to America; that they are ready and willing to join with 
their country and to do their utmost for its defence ; and praying to be 
examined and set at liberty, as per said memorial on file, reporting that 
the said committee caused the authority, etc., of Farmington to be 
duly notifyed, that they convened the memorialists before them at the 
house of Mr. David Bull on the 22d of instant May and examined them 
separately touching their unfriendliness to the American States, and 
heard the evidences produced by the parties; that they found said 
persons were committed for being highly inimical to the United States, 
and for refusing to act in defence of their country; that on examination 
it appeared that they had been much under the influence of one Nichols, 
a designing church clergyman who had instilled into them principles 
opposite to the good of the States; that under the influence of such 
principles they had pursued a course of conduct tending to the ruin 
of the countr}' and highly displeasing to those who are friends to the 
freedom and independence of the United States; that under various 
pretenses they had refused to go in the expedition to Danbury; that 
said Nathaniel Jones and Simon Tuttle have as they suppose each of 
them a son gone over to the enemy; that there was, however, no particu- 
lar positive fact that sufficiently appeared to have been committed by 
them of an atrocious natvire against the States, and that they were 
indeed grossly ignorant of the true grounds of the present war with 
Great Britain; that they appeared to be penitent of their former con- 
duct, professed themselves convinced since the Danbury alann that 
there was no such thing as remaining neuters; that the destruction 
made there by the tories was matter of conviction to them ; that since 
their imprisonment upon serious reflexion they are convinced that 
the States are right in their claim, and that it is their duty to submit 



* See "Historical Papers" above cited; also, "Moses Dunbar, Loyalist," by Epaph- 
roditvis Peck, Ms., Bristol Public Library. 

t See his patriotic letter in the Connecticut Courant, Jan. 2, 1775, Conn. Hist. Soc. 
Library. 



188 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




(19) No. 140, F. C. Wilcox O, (liO) Xo. 14U, H. J. Peck R; (21) 
No. 150. Mrs. A. D. Shiner R; (22) No. 155, M. D. Lardner '>.• (23) Xo. 
162, J. H. Dunning R, J. C. Carroll R; (24) No. 165, E. F. Hubbard R: 
(25) No. 171, James H. Hoyt, R, C. F. Blanchard R; (26) Xo. 170, N. P. 
Stedman O; (27) Xo. 182, James Xicholas R, Rev. Gustav Gille R; 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 189 

to their authority, and that they will to the utmost of their power defend 
the country against the British army; and that the said committea 
thihk it advisable that the said persons be liberated from their im- 
prisonment on taking an oath of fidelity to the United States : — Resolved 
by this Assembly, that the said persons be liberated from their impris- 
onment on their taking an oath of fidelity to this State and paying 
costs, taxed at ;^22 7 10; and the keeper of the goal in Hartford is 
hereby directed to liberate said persons accordingly." 

Of these seventeen names I can identify thirteen names as members 
of the Episcopal church of New Cambridge, and two others as having 
had children baptized there; and Mr. Nichols, the "designing church 
clergyman," was the rector. But imprisonment was not the worst 
of their suffering. The Joel Tuttle there mentioned was seized by a 
hand of over-zealous patriots, and hanged on the green east of this 
building, near the whipping-post; one of the party, seized by remorse 
or fear, returned and cut him down, and he revived; (^hauncey Jerome 
narrowly escaped whipping; Mr. Nichols is said to have been tarred 
and feathered,* and was indicted for treason before the Superior Court 
at Hartford in January, 1777, but escaped conviction ;t and Moses 
Dunbar, who was tried and convicted, and hanged for treason in March 
of the same 3^ear, was a brother-in-law of the two Jeromes, and four 
of his children were baptized in the New Cambridge church. Dunbar 
had been a resident of Waterbury; after his marriage to Phebe Jerom.e 
he lived in a house north of the South Chippen's Hill schoolhouse, east 
of the highway. He was the only tory hanged in Connecticut for trea- 
son. His dying statement and last message to his children, printed 
in the recent history of Waterbury, show him to have been a man of 
character, conscientious in his loyalist views, tender to his family, and 
of Christian spirit. t 

Church services were entirely discontinued here, and we may well 
believe the little church to have been the target of many bitter curses, 
and of more material missiles. After the storni of the war was over 
the little parish gathered itself together again, but the church appears 
to have been unfit for use. Occasional meetings were held in private 
houses for a time. In 1784, they voted, "that we are willing to meet 
again in the church which haith lain desolate for some tim.e on account 
of the persecution of the tiines, and voted that we would repair the 
church house." But the load was too great for the weakened conapany 
to carry. In 1792 they united with the Episcopalians of Harwinton 
and Plymouth to establish the little church, midway between the three 
towns, which is now known as East Church; and Episcopacy ceased to 
exist here until Trinity Church was organized in 1834. 

The record of this early Episcopal church was some twenty years 
ago in existence in East Plymouth, bearing on the cover the significant 
motto, "Fear God and Honor the King," but it has since dissappeared. 
By good fortune an authentic copy is in existence, and has just come 
into the possession of the Bristol Public Library. The church building 
was sold to Abel Lewis, who used it many years as a barn; and the 
arched windows were until a few years ago in the gambrel-roofed house 
which stood near the site of the Swedish Lutheran church. The church- 
yard, in the rear of the schoolhouse, had long lain neglected, until by 
the public spirit of one of my auditors,* it has very lately been cleared 
of weeds and rubbish, and the gravestones put in order. A boulder has 
also been set to mark the site of the church building, on which an in- 
scription is shortly to be cut. Five of the nine original seceders from 
the Congregational church lie buried in that yard; and three of them 
are among those whose imprisonment I have spoken of. 

The early history of this church is the part in which I have thought 
you would be chiefly interested, and I shall only very briefly touch upon 
the later history. Mr. Newell's successor. Rev. Giles H. Cowles, was a 

* "Historical Papers," as cited before, 
t Conn. Courant, Jan. 27, 1777. 

t For a full account of him, see "Moses Dunbar, Loyalist," above cited. 

* Mr. George Dudley Seymour. 



190 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 







A PEACEABLE STREET CORNFIELD. 

Corn from seventeen to nineteen feet high. 




'cuss gutter" CULVERT — ICE EEFECT. 

Photo by F. W. Giddings. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE." 191 

man of, very similar views and character to his own. He says of his own 
settlement that "there was a considerable opposition, chiefly thro a 
dislike of Calvinistic doctrines;" his ordination sermon was preached 
by the great Jonathan Edwards. His ministry seems to have been 
eminently successful, marked by notable revivals, and he parted from 
the people bearing their warmest regard. 

Rev. Jonathan Cone, the next pastor, was a man of great eloquence, 
the early part of whose ministry was singularly successful. But the 
latter part of it was clouded by persistent rumors and attacks affecting 
his personal character. Mr. Cone vigorously defended himself, and 
wielded the rod of church discipline unsparingly; but the result was 
most unhappy for the church. Four brief pastorates followed, those of 
Messrs. Leavenworth, Parmalee, Seeley and Goodrich; the church had 
never fully recovered a normal state of Christian harmony, and the 
Taylor-Tyler theological controversy of the time assisted to keep the 
breach of factional division open. So far did this contentious spirit 
go that Rev. Abner J. Leavenworth Avas at one time shut out from his 
pulpit by the nailing up of the door. Mr. Leavenworth had just been 
married, and his bride was present in church for the first time. 

The grdat work which Dr. Leverett Griggs, eighth pastor, did for this 
church was by his genial and cordial temperament, and the spirit of 
fellowship and Christian fraternity which so marked him, to bring the 
church to a harn-ionious and vmited spirit again. His ministry of fourteen 
years, followed by his twelve years of residence here after his retirement 
from active work, entitled him to be mentioned in that culmination of 
the beatitudes: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called 
the sons of God. He is the only pastor of this church except Parson 
Newell who is buried in Bristol. 

The latter pastorates of Rev. Messrs. William W. Belden, Henry 
T. Staats, Asher Anderson, Wilham H. Belden, whose work ended so 
tragically, and Thomas M. Miles, are too recent to fall within the scope 
of history. They are matters of familiar memory and knowledge. 

The early Puritan churches had a double pastorate, one minister 
officiating as pastor, and the other as teacher. In later days, the preach- 
ing of the sennons and the doing of pastoral work seem to have crowded 
out the teaching function with which they had been joined. In our 
century that office of the church has been revived by the Sunday school 
department of its work. Sunday schools began to be founded in this 
country about 1S15, an adaptation to American needs of what in England 
had been a charitable work, and had borne the name of "ragged school" 
work. 

In 1818, under the ministry of Mr. Cone, this church fonned its 
first Sunday school. On September 13 of that year, after a general 
invitation to scholars, and a call for volunteers as teachers, ninety-six 
scholars and seven teachers were enrolled as a Sunday school. Of 
course the institution was in its infancy. The course during that year 
consisted of a "temi" of eight Sundays only, and the principal work 
was the memorizing of verses of the Bibje, and of the Catechism. At 
the end of the tenn prizes were given to the scholars who had recited 
from memory the greatest number of verses and answers. Of that first 
Sunday's enrollment, Henry W. Sage, who died recently in Ithaca, N. Y., 
was the last known survivor. The enrollment of 1819 included the 
names of Edwin S. Lewis and of Xancy Hooker (now Mrs. Hill), who 
are still living, and connected with this church. 

Jonathan Cone was the first superintendent. Aniong those who 
have done notable service in this office have been Deacon William Day, 
Henry Beckwith, Esci., and Deacon Harry S. Bartholomew, who served 
twentA^-five years continuously, and for a single year afterward. 

• The other great department of the modern church, the Society of 
Christian Endeavor, was organized here in 1886, by Rev. Mr. Anderson. 

The church now has an enrolled and recognized membership of 
six hundred and one, the membership of the Sunday school is two hun- 



192 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Rev. Calvin B. Moody 

dred arid ninetj'-six, with a home department of ninet)% that of the Society 
of Christian Endeavor one hundred and four, and that of its junior 
branch thirty-seven. The ladies' societies also carry on the work of 
contributing their money and labor to the home and foreign mission 
work of the church. 

During the last ten years, the contributions of this church to benev- 
olent and mission work have been $24,694.75; its expenditures in its 
own work about $45,000. 

So I have tried to bring before your imagination the church of 
your fathers. As these one hundred and fifty years have passed, how 
all its surroundings have changed! Instead of the wide-stretching 
farms and forests is a busy, modern, manufacturing town; instead of 
the population of grave Puritan Englishmen, men of many languages 
and faiths fill our streets; instead of the ox-cart and the saddle and 
pillion, the electric car and the bicycle carry us; instead of a feeble colony 
of King George, we are citizens of a democratic republic, having twice 
the population of England herself; but the flame kindled here that 
August day on God's altar is burning still with steady and unaltered 
light. 

The picture of the past geems strange and quaint, the language of 
the old records provokes a smile, if we could be sat down in Parson 
Newe's church, it would seem more foreign to us than anything we can 
find in foreign travel, and yet I am persuaded that in the. altered body 
there is the same spirit. Just as President Washington and his three 
million followers, in the difficulties which encompassed the infant nation 
in 1789, were working under the same constitution, to uphold the same 
union, and preserve the same principles of democratic liberty which his 
successor of today, leader of seventy millions American citizens, is sworn 
to maintain, so our ancestors, strong and sturdy founders of institutions, 
had the same written guide, the Word of God, the same union, the Church 
of God, and the same eternal gospel of God's Ipve and man's redemption, 
which form the foundation, and structure, and inspiration, of the Christian 
church today. 

The present successful pastorate of the Rev. Calvin B. Moody com- 
menced September 1, 1903. and continues at the present. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 193 



jUxe Founders and their riomes 

Or a Century Sketch or tne Early Bristol Families, 

1663 to 1763 

Address at the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the 
First Congregational Church, October 12, 1897. 

By Mary P. Root. 

IF ANY explanation is needed for the presentation of this subject 
today, our explanation is that in the organization of every church 
the home conies first. In the history of the race, the home in Eden 
preceded, by many centuries, the building of a church. The church 
existed in the heart of the individual, and on the hearthstone of the 
home. With the coming of the first Christian family into this wilderness, 
came also the Christian church. And, like impartial historians, we wish 
to present to you today both sides of the story. 

THE COMING OF THE WHITE MAN. 

We are acciistomed to date our town's origin with the first church 
organization (1747), with the first settler's arrival (1727), or with the 
earliest layout of the land (1721). 

But when did the eyes of an Englishman first behold these hills? 
Certainly as early as 1663, when "three men strayed away into that 
portion of Farmington called Poland * * and * * selected lands 
to be laid out to them ;" Richard Brownson, Thomas Barnes and another.* 

Thus this section already had a name in 1663, first written poleland 
a name given it by Farmington coopers who came here for hoop poles. 
When then did the white man first set foot in Bristol?* 

Six years earlier lead had been discovered in the hills west of Farm- 
ington. A rush for the lead mines followed. It was the Klondike of 
1657. A result of this discovery was the founding of Waterbury, thir- 
teen years later, by twenty-six Farmington men, who had been going 
back and forth along the Indian trails through Poland. Previous to 
the founding of Waterbury, the "long lots" of Poland had been taken 
up by the future Waterbury settlers: Thomas Newell, Abraham Brown- 
son, Richard Seymour, Obadiah Richards, Thomas Barnes and others.* 

Lastly, in proof that the white man's visit here was seventy years 
earlier than the settlement, is the record that, in 1686, there were already 
three roads between Fannington and Waterbury, one of which, believed 
to be the earliest, caine over Fall Mountain.* 

Then (1686) an event occurred which settled the destiny of Poland 
(Bristol). Sir Edmund Andros, that usurper of New England charters, 
was doing his utmost to get control of Connecticut. "The priceless 
charter was in danger." The freemen, by order of the court, assembled 
for public humiliation and prayer, and the asseinbly was in special 
session. Behind closed doors, the assembly transacted important 
business. The Charter, which gave authority to the colony to dispose 
of its land, was still in their possession. There were valuable lands in 
the north and west which there was yet time to save, in case Sir Edmund 
got the charter. The court, therefore, assigned all the unclaimed land 
in the colony, that portion included in the town of Farmington being 
assigned to the taxpayers of the town, and it was not deemed necessary 



* The Town and City of Waterbury." — Miss Sarah F. PritL-hard's Chapters. 



194 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



PEACEABLE ST. 




:-. O) E. A. Mathews O; (2) G. W. Atwood O; (3) D. Larson O; (4) 
J. Dube R, formerly the Lemrel Peck afterwards Geo. Atwood Place; 
(5) Sylvester Ladd O; (6) I. Giles O; (7) Ed. Thomas O, Mrs. J. A. Clapp 
7^ (The Ed Barnes Place); (8) Wm. Thomas O; (9) John A. Anderson O 
(the Deacon Chas. Ives Place). 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 195 

to make a minute in the public records of this transaction, nor to give 
reasons for this wholesale transfer of land.f 

Years afterwards, it became difficult to settle estates, owing to 
uncertain titles to lands in this section, and, in 1721, by order of the 
general court assignments to individuals were made of the land here, 
in accordance wtth the act of 1686. 

The original assignees were dead. Their heirs to the property here 
found a tract of land nearly five miles square, divided into live tiers of 
lots, with four parallel highways running from north to south. The 
lots were a mile long, the width depending on each man's taxable property 
in Farmington. 

The largest grants to families whose names appear in Bristol history 
(the order being according to the size of the tract) were to the Brownsons, 
Harts, Judds, Roots, Steeles, Barnes, Thompsons, Nortons, Gridleys, 
Lees, Hooker, Lewis, Seymour, Newell, Richards. 

All the land was assigned to the forty-nine original proprietors, a 
reservation of thirty acres being made for the Indians, Bohemia and 
Poland. 

In connection with this land grant of 16S6, there are several inter- 
esting items. The largest tract was a mile square, lying in central and 
east Forestville, and was assigned to four men, two of whom bear Bristol 
names. Captain Lewis and John Norton. 

The smallest lots were of peculiar shape, being a mile in length by 
nine rods wide. Benoni and Samuel Steele of Hartford, sons of John 
Steele, owned lots here of this size. 

The Brownson family (seven) owned nearly two sc[uare miles. 
The Hart family (four) and John Root, Sr., owned each one and one 
half square miles. The Barneses, Nortons, Gridleys and Lees each about 
one half square mile. Mr. Hayens and Mr. Wyllys, sons of the early 
governors, and residents of Hartford, owned lots on West street, Mr. 
Haynes being especially fortunate in his assignment, which lay in the 
corner between Divinity and West streets, including the present fair 
grounds, the Pequabuck flowing through it. 

Mr. Samuel Hooker, the minister in Farmington, owned a lot on 
the present line of Burlington, then the center of the entire tract. 

Thomas Barnes owned a half square mile, and the Widow Orvice 
three small lots', the only woman land owner here, whose descendants 
appear in the persons of Ebenezer Barnes and his wife, Deborah Orvice.* 

THE SETTLEMENT. 

Two generations passed away after the original grant before a 
settlement was made. In the meantime, Farmington youth, led by the 
Indian trail along the Pequabuck, came hither to inspect their possessions. 
And events proved that these hills possessed the same attractions for 
Ebenezer Barnes and Daniel Brownson that they had had for Thomas 
Barnes and Richard Brownson sixty-four years earlier. 

The years 1726-7 witnessed their arrival, and the building of two 
houses, of which only one remained, Daniel Brownson having soon 
withdrawn. On the eastern slope of the nearest hills, at the opening 
of the range where the Pequabuck flows, Ebenezer Barnes built his 
home, a clearing in the forest, smoke rising from a solitary chimney, 
the beginning of a town. 

Other settlers came, and along the base of the same hills, other 
homes were built, connected by a footpath, which determined the loca- 
tion of our earliest residence street, called by the settlers the Queen's 
Road. 

John Brown's house stood on the hill north of Ebenezer Barnes's 
house, Caleb Abernathy's next, and above it Nathaniel Messenger's, 
all on the east side. On the west side were the homes of Ebenezer 
Hamblin and Nehemiah Manross,* houses rude in structure, dwellings 

t "Two Hundredth Anniversary Farmington Church." — Noah Porter, also "The 
Town and City of Waterbury." 

* Roswell Atkins' Chart. Page 21. 

* Manual Congregational Church, Bristol. 



196 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



of logs, perhaps, giving place soon to dwellings of frame. Would that 
we possessed the simplest sketch of those early homes on the Queen's 
Road, of which only Ebenezer Barnes's house has survived through a 
•century and three quarters of time. 

The Queen's Road! Truly it reminds us that the founders of Bristol 
were English subjects and that George II. and Queen Caroline were 
sovereign here as well as in the British Isles. 

If we cannot gain access to their court where assemble Alexander 
Pope, Dean Swift, and Lord Chesterfield, let us get a glimpse of their 
majesties as they pass along in the procession of history. Prince George 
was a "choleric little prince" who used to "shake his fist in the faces of 
his father's courtiers," and called everyone thief and liar with whom he 
differed. 

In the year 1727, on the death of the king, when Walpole came to 
announce the news to the prince, and to proclaim him King of England, 
Prince George, having never lost his German accent, and being awakened 
from his afternoon nap, roared out, "Dat is one big lie;" the first utterance 
of his majesty, George II. 

His wife was Caroline of Anspach, a princess remarkable for her 
beauty, her cleverness, her learning, her good temper. Thej' ascended 
the English throne June 14, 1727, the same time that the first settler 
took up his residence here, a coincidence which gives a special appro- 
priateness to the name of the first residence street. 

FALL MOUNTAIN SETTLERS. 

MOSES LYMAN. 

Having visited the houses on the Queen's Road, let vis learn the 
meaning of the smoke rising from the wooded side of the mountain. Is 
it from an Indian wigw^am? Or has the white man set up a home in the 
heart of the Indian hunting ground? 

From the Queen's Road the Indian trail follows the river westward, 
and creeps on over the mountain to Waterbury. Half way up is the 
ample home of Moses Lyman, who came from Wallingford in 1736, 




THE CIDEON ROBERTS HOUSE, BUILT BY MOSES LYM.W, 17o6. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



197 



PEACEABLE S"f 




(10) G. F. Unefeld O; (11) The Baldwin Place (now owned by L. 
L. Gaylord); (12) Mrs. E. F. Gaylord O (the Luther Tuttle Place); (13) 
E. F. Gaylord O; (14) Chas. E. Gaylord O; (16) Henry E. Loveland O; 
(IG) S. E. Scoville R; (17) Amos Beauty R; (IS) S. D. Newell O. 



198 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

and built a house which stands today, a monument to the substantial 
worth of this early householder, the second oldest house in town. Here 
he lived for years, with no sign by day or night to remind hiin of his 
nearest neighbor. The eastern hills hid the smoke from the chimneys 
on the Queen's Road, and the dense forests hid the lights of those who 
settled later on Fall Mountain and Chippin's Hill. 

THE GAYLORDS. 

The nearest neighbors of Moses Lyman were Gaylord families, whose 
arrival, next in order, is of importance because of their numbers, influence 
and service. There were five men with their families, four of whom 
were brothers, Samuel, Edward, Benjamin, and Joseph, and their double 
cousin David, all of whom came from Wallingford. The cousins Joseph 
and David were young men of twenty-two and came first. The oldest 
brothers, Samuel and Edward, were appointed to many positions of 
responsibility, and later became prominent in military affairs. Speaking 
in the language of royalty, the Gaylords inade strong alliances here, and 
were connected by marriage with all the reigning families in the settle- 
ment. Joseph's wife was Elizabeth Rich, whom he married in the year 
of his arrival here. His eldest sister Mar}^ married John Hickox, the 
first treasurer of the society. Thankful, another sister, was the wife of 
Hezekiah Rew, our first deacon. David's sister Mary married Stephen 
Barnes, the other deacon of the early church. Lois Gaylord was the 
wife of Caleb Abernathy. With the Gaylord brothers for society mod- 
erators, with three deacons and two officers of the militia, it is evident 
that the Gaylord family had a strong hold on public affairs.* 

COLONIAL ROADS. 

The origin of the colonial roads in Bistol, and their development 
into the turnpikes of a century ago and into the roads of today, is a chap- 
ter by itself, and too long to be given here. 

There are several in our town, forgotten passageways of those 
early days, the most important of which is the colonial road to Farm- 
ington. It followed an old Indian trail of the Tunxis tribe, from their 
village there on the river to their hvmting grounds here, and into the 
domain of the Indian Cochipianee on the Hill. 

This first colonial road can be traced several miles both east and 
west from the north cemetery, which originally occupied a portion of it 
and which is still bounded by it on the north. 

In a line due east from Lewis street is a stone wall which lies in the 
center of the colonial road. When the turnpike was built in 1806, it 
became necessary often to place obstrvtctions of this sort in the old road, 
to force the traveler to use the turnpike and to pay toll therefor. Another 
obstruction on the Lewis property was the flax patch, which long ago 
obliterated one portion of the old road. 

In the lots east of the stone wall, smooth rocks worn by the wheels 
of a century and a half ago, and depressions in the surface of the ground, 
guide us in the path of the colonial road into the woods beyond, known 
as "Poker Hole," and here the roadbed is easily recognized. 

Taking another start, west from the cemetery, we see a grass grow^n 
path near the bridge at Rock Cut, in a line with the street beyond the 
bridge, which, like Lewis street, is identical with the old road. 

Farther on, it is lost under the curve of the railroad embankment, 
but is found again in the woods west of the tracks. From here, it passes 
on through the Hoppers, and leads up the hill, coming out at the South 
Chippin's Hill schoolhouse, beyond which it is plainly seen in the lots of 
the place known as the Candee farm. 

That" portion of it which lies in the Hoppers is a good specimen, of 
the old colonial road, and should be guarded by our historical societies 
as an interesting relic of the two earliest epochs in our history, the Indian 
and the Colonial. 



*Ms. notes of James Shepard. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



199 



PEACEABLE ST 




(19) W. F. Duncan O; (20) Mrs. Mary August R; (21) C. B. Brockett 
O (The Ransley Upson Place); (22) Geo. Manchester O; (2.3) Robt. 
Manchester O; (24) E. Manchester O; (25) Chas. Gastafson O (the Chas. 
Hines Place; (26) R. W. Williams O; (27) Geo. H. Turner R. 



200 bristol, connecticut 

chippin's hill families. 
For the extension of the Farmington road to Chippin's Hill, we are 
indebted to two famihes by the name of Matthews and Brooks, who 
came between 1742 and 1747, and were soon joined by other families 
of the same names. They located at the top of the hill once owned by 
Cochipianee, and which commanded a magnificent view of the whole 
parish of New Cambridge and the valley of the Tunxis. The Chippin's 
Hill families took an active part for a few years in church affairs, but 
were strongly opposed to Mr. Newel] 's settlement, and in July, 1747, 
when the majority voted to call Mr. Newell, the minority, headed by 
Caleb Matthews and the Brookses, withdrew, and publicly declared 
themselves inembers of the Church of England. 

. t:he founders. 

Having established the founders and their families in homes, let 
us observe the men who laid the foundations of this early church. The 
leaders in the movement which resulted in the establishment of the 
Parish of New Cambridge, were Ebenezer Barnes, Nehemiah Manross, 
Moses Lyman, and Edward Gay lord. 

EBENEZER BARNES. 

Ebenezer Barnes was born in Farmington and married, in 1699, 
Deborah Orvice. He was nearly fifty years old when he left Farmington 
for the hardships of a pioneer life. His family consisted of fifteen children, 
ten sons and five daughters, twelve of whom were born in Farmington. 

For fifteen years, through summer heat and winter snows, he had 
taken his family to the meeting house nine miles distant, when he headed 
the memorial which obtained for himself and neighbors the privileges 
of a winter parish. He was approaching his seventies when he urged, 
with others, the establishment of a minister. In 1746, one year previous 
to the settlement of a pastor, his name appears for the last time when 
Ebenezer Barnes is appointed to lead in divine service. 

MOSES LYMAN. 

Moses Lyman was the first clerk of this society. On the coarse 
pages, stained with age, of the old church book, we can read the character 
of the man in the records he kept; we can judge him by the house he 
built, and by the part he took in the establishment of the parish. He 
served as scribe, moderator, on the society's committee, as agent to 
the town, and to the General Assembly. On November 10, 1745, when 
an important church meeting was held in his own house, where thirty 
voters were present, certain measures were adopted which led a minority 
of six headed by Moses Lyman to protest against the management of 
the meeting. Two adjourned meetings were held, and it was finally 
arranged that the differences should be settled by a council. For several 
years, he had acted as chorister in the church, but, after Mr. Newell 
came, he took no part in society affairs. Some time later, he moved 
away. In the cemetery of Goshen, Conn., is a monument bearing this 
inscription : 

Moses Lyman, Esq., 
Who died Jan. 6, 1768. 
In the 55th yr. of his age, 
Lyman, so famed, so meek, so just, so wise. 
He sleeps in hope. Then cease from tears, 
When Christ appears his dust shall rise. 

NEHEMIAH MANROSS. 

Nehemiah Manross arrived soon after Ebenezer Barnes. His 
house was the second to go up on the Queen's Road. He came from 
Lebanon, Conn., the home of Jonathan Trumbull, who was perhaps 
his schoolfellow. At the second society meeting, Nehemiah Manross 
was chosen moderator, and seems to have been the most acceptable 
(and perhaps the most able) of any who filled the chair. During a period 
of twelve years, he was in continual service, adjusting the public accounts, 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE.' 



201 



PEACEABLE ^ST 




(28) Albert Hipler R, Wm. Blum R; (29) Capt. Ernest E. Merrill O; 
(30) Joseph Blum O; (31) R. Bachman O; (32) Jacob Molson O; (33) 
Jacob Gush (34) Pius Schtissler O; (35) Jos. Ehlert O; (36) B. Kather 0. 



202 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




JOSIAH LEWIS S HOUSE, ON LEWIS CORNER. 

Built 1766. 



contracting for the erection of a meeting-house; and in 1754, when it 
was voted "that we take up the two 'pilar pews' and make three seats 
in their room," Nehemiah Manross was appointed to see that the work 
was done. With this he disappears from the scene. Tradition has 
kept alive the following explanation of his mysterious disappearance; 
one morning he left his home, according to his custom, on horseback 
for Hartford, and was never again seen. No trace of him could be 
found. His family believed that he had been attacked by the Indians, 
robbed and killed. 

JOSIAH LEWIS. 

Among the last to arrive, in the period preceding the founding of 
a church, was Josiah Lewis. He came from Southington, and tradition 
says he was a week on the way, cutting a passage through the forest for 
himself and family, which consisted of twelve children. Nine sons grew 
up and married, to each of whom he gave a fann of a hundred acres, 
a house, a barn, a cow, a hive of bees, and a Waterbury sweet apple 
tree. Five of these houses, including his own, were built on the Fanning- 
ton road, three near the cemetery and two beyond the woods of Poker 
Hole. Four of the Lewis houses are still standing, built much after 
the same plan, all large, spacious houses, such as those early settlers 
used to build, when the heating of a house was not an important item 
in the yearly expenses. They were built before the Revolution and 
for years formed an uninterrupted row of Lewis possessions. 

THE DEACONS. 

Active in the spiritual life of the church during the first period were 
Hezekiah Rew and David Gaylord, both of whom, in 1747, were appointed 
deacons. 

David Gaylord was thirty-one years old, and served twenty-eight 
years, outliving his brother in office and two successors and serving ten 
years with the thirds 

His home was an isolated one, built in the clearing on the slope 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



203 



PEACEABI 




(37) August Mann R; (38) Adam Budosky R, Frank Sinks R; (39) 
Fred Bush R; (40) Adolph Sonstrom O; (41) E. A. Conlon O; (42) 
John J. Brennan R, John Johnson R; (43) J. J. Sullivan R, Arthur 
Wieonnet R; (44) Mrs. Philip Boos O, Oscar Thomas R; (45) John 
Henebryi?, Mrs. Susan B. Holden O. 



204 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

of the hill north of the Pequabuck, the house lot lying in the corner of 
East street and Riverside Avenue, and extending to the river, across 
which was the Indian trail to Waterbury, Deacon Gaylord's highway 
into the outside world. 

Hezekiah Rew's name stands first on the church list. He was an 
older man than his brother deacon, and had served in the various offices 
of the society from sexton to moderator. He deserves special recognition 
for the service he renciered for ten years as society's clerk. Judging 
from his clerical work, he was a fair scholar — a man of good judgment 
too, appointed to the task of "dignifying the meeting-house," according 
to a custom by which the inembers were seated with reference to their 
age, position, and wealth. Four years later, he declined to act in this 
delicate business. His name appears no more. His burial place is 
not known, nor the date of his death. He lived on Peaceable street 
near Parson Newell, and his wife Abigail died in l764. 

Two early deacons, Stephen Barnes and Elisha Manross, were sons 
of the first settlers. Stephen Barnes was appointed in the place of 
Hezekiah Rew and, after a short term of service, died in his, forty-fifth 
year. In his home on South street for several years previous to 1747, 
the settlers assembled for divine service, in which Hezekiah Rew and 
Stephen Barnes were appointed to lead. 

Elnathan Ives succeeded Stephen Barnes in 1757, when his name 
appears for the first time, although he had been living here for ten years. 
He came from Farmington, and was the oldest son of Ensign Gideon 
Ives, "The Mighty Hunter," tales of whose hunts in these forests are a 
part of our history. Elnathan Ives lived to be seventy-one years old, 
but resigned his office of deacon thirteen years before his death. His 
house was on the Southington road near its union, at the bridge, with 
the Queen's Road. His son and grandson became members of this 
church, and two nephews followed him and settled here, Enos, father o 
Deacon Charles Ives, and Amasa, the father of the clock makers, Chauncey 
and Joseph Ives. 

Elisha Manross, when only thirty-eight years old, followed Deacon 
Ives, and served forty-five years, the second longest diaconate. He 
is the best known of our early deacons, whose piety, dignity, and charity, 
belong to our church history. 

REV. SAMUEL NEWELL'S FAMILY. 

Reverend Samuel Newell, two years after his installation, married 
Mary Hart Root, widow of Timothy Root, and daughter of Deacon 
John Hart, all of Farmington. 

Mr. Newell was thirty-five years old, and his bride thirty-two, the 
mother of three children, Timothy, Theodore, and Esther Root, who 
were nine, seven, and five years old, respectively. 

Their father, Lieut. Timothy Root, had died three years before at 
Cape Breton, soon after the siege of Louisburg. (His father of the 
same name also died at Cape Breton, having been in the expedition 
which, thirty-three years earlier, set out for the conquest of Canada.) 
The children inherited the Root homestead property in Farmington, 
and did not come empty-handed into the home of their step-father. 

Mr. Newell owned land here by inheritance from his grandfather, 
Thomas Newell, an original proprietor, and by the bequest of his brother 
Solomon who bequeathed to Samuel, Josiah and Mary Newell, several 
tracts of land, including the Indian reservation of Bohemia, valued at 
£807 or $4,000. 

To this bequest we owe, perhaps, the arrival of the Upson family, 
between whom and the Newell family there was a double marriage. 
(Josiah Newell married Mary Upson of Farmington, and Mary Newell 
became the wife of Asa Upson.) Some time after Mr. Newell's settle- 
ment, Asa Upson and his wife Mary Newell took up residence on Peaceable 
street, between their brother the parson and the Royces, who had with- 
drawn from the Congregational church, because of their opposition to 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



295 



NORTH Sf9l^flS^^tim.l ST 




(1) No, 160, North, Miss Lucy Beckwith O, James Geegan R; (L') 
No. 177, North, Leon C. LaCourse O, Wallace Calkins R, George Fortin 
R; (3) No. 189, North, Arthur T. Woodford R; (4) No. 179, Maple street, 
A. Croze R, P. J. Reddy R, J. Hassett R; (5) No. 183, Maple, W. H. W. 
Burns R; (6) No. 188 Maple, Rudolf Zhanke R, A. Schinman R, P. 
Tessman R; (7) Flag House, George P. Lyons, Tender; (8) No. 230, 
Peaceable, Chas. Sandstrom R, Emil Grotze R; (9) No. 235, Peaceable, 
Dennis O'Brien O. 



206 BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 

Mr. Newell 's settlement. In the bitterness of feeling which outlasted 
the century, the not unfriendly relations of these families may have 
given the name to the street they lived on, the goodly name of Peaceable 
street. 

The new minister, in his contract with the parish, took care, not 
only that his salary should be paid but that the society should bmld 
him a house. (Mrs. Mary Root, who afterAvard became his wite, was 
then a recent widow, Uving in a substantial home left by her husband.) 

The specifications for the house were drawn up with great precision 
even to cupboards and ovens, and, like the contract, show a knowledge 
of legal forms, which indicates that the Rev. Mr. Newell may have been 
a lawyer and architect as well as a minister and landowner. 

For the detail of an interior of an early settler's home, we have a 
picture of the parsonage as found in the specifications drawn up by 
Mr. Newell. 

The specifications follow the contract for settlement, and are as 
follows: "The condition of this obligation is such that if the above 
said Ebeneezer Hamblin, Mr. Samll Gaylord, Edward Gaylord shall 
within the space of one year and two months from the day above . * * 
in good workmanship like manner erect build and set up one * * 
dwelling house for the said Mr. Samuel Newell upon his land in New 
Cambridge as he shall direct of thirty-eight feet long and twenty-three 
feet wide, and sixteen feet and one-half between joints with a lintow 
(leanto) adjoining the backside 20 feet long and sixteen feet wide, 
containing five rooms below, and shall workmanlike finish the lower 
rooms in the manner following, namely, well ceil the dwelling room and 
make suitable cobard (suitable cupboard) and shelves for such rooms 
and lath, plaster and whitewash the parlor and bedrooms, side and 
overhead, making all sutiable covenant (convenient) good and work- 
manlike doors and partions (partitions) * * stock and dig and 
stone * * a proper cellar at least seven feet deep from the lower 
floor, and the bignes of one end of the house from the chimney, and in 
good and workmanlike build * * a stack of chimneys consisting of 
three tunnels from the bottom and two more beginning at the chambers. 
Making at least two brick ovens of a sutiable bigness, and in a workmanlike 
manner make the window frames * * and glass the whole house, 
namely, nine windows, consisting of twenty-four squares of glass six 
and eight size, and one of eighteen square, and seven with twelve of 
the same size, all this to be done by the latter end of Sept., A. D. 1749. 

And that the said Ebenezer Hamblin, Samuel Gaylord, Edward 
Gaylord, their exers and admid (executors and administrators) and 
assigns shall find and provide at their own cost and charge all and all 
manner of timber, stone, brick, laths, nails, iron, glass, lime, clay, sand, 
and all other materials whatsoever [as] shall be fit and necessary to be 
used in and abovit said building, and they, so doing, shall be quit of the 
above said written bond, obligation, etc., etc. 

Signed and delivered this 20th day of July, A. D. 1747. 

A parsonage was built on the knoll known as the Dr. Pardee place, 
and, during the first eleven years of the pastorate, five children were 
born, two daughters and three sons. Mary became a member of this 
church, and at twenty married Jacob Hungerford. Anna married 
Elnathan Hooker. The oldest son Samuel died when four years old. 
Two younger sons, Lott and Samuel, were sent to Yale college and the 
fonner died there; the latter, a graduate, was the only son to marry 
and perpetuate the name of his father. 

Of Mrs. Newell's children, Esther Root died at fifteen. Timothy 
married, and settled on the homestead property in Famiington. Theo- 
dore married, united with this church, and settled here near his mother. 
Seven daughters were born in his family. 

He appears in the records in various appointments, first when he 
is appointed to "git Mr. Newell's wood" and is allowed six pounds for 
the same. To supply Mr. Newell with wood seems always to have 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



207 




(I) \o. 47, W. H. Gladding R, Mrs. R. J. Jerrolds R, F. R. Parsons 
R; (2) No. 38, Burdette A. Peck O; (3) No. 38, Ernest C. Smith R; (4) 
No. 32, Edward L. Dunbar O; (o) No. 26, Hiram C. Thompson O; (6) 
No. 29, Mrs. Fann^' W. Gowdy R, Mrs. M. Wilcox R, Mrs. C. Parsons R; 
(7) No. 23, Wilbur F. Brainard O; (8) No. 20, Cornelius T. Olcott O, 
R. C. Pease R; (9) No. 15, Hobart Booth R. 



'208 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

been an unpleasant task, no man in the parish undertaking it twice, 
young men being appointed to the place, as a kind of stepping stone into 
public life! And in 1767 the minister's stepson takes his turn with the 
rest. 

Other houses scattered here and there were the homes of Joseph 
Benton, David Rich, Ebenezer Norton, the Tuttles, the Warrens and 
Daniel Rowe. 

These are the glimpses we get of the little company, who, one hun- 
dred and fifty years ago, established this church in the wilderness, 
with its forty me:nbers, twenty men and twenty women. There were 
seventeen men with their wives; one old man, William Merriman, 
living in the family of his son-in-law, Caleb Matthews; two bachelors 
(Ebenezer Hamblin and Samuel Gay lord); the widow Sarah Bushnell; 
Miss Deborah Buck, whose brother Stephen married a daughter of 
Ebenezer Barnes; and Jacob Deming's wife, Abigail, who by her first 
husband, Timothy Jerome, was the mother of the Jerome families in 
Bristol, a distinguished member of which was Chauncey Jerome, tbe 
clock maker and autobiographer. 

The congregation, however, included a larger number, men active 
m affairs but not church members, and many young people and children. 
Ebenezer Barnes brought fifteen grown up sons and daughters, and 
Josiah Lewis, twelve. 

The year 1747 witnessed the fulfillment of their long cherished 
hopes, the establishment of an independent church. With this event, 
the first period of our history closes. 

CHAPTER II. 

The next period presents a different view. It is the period pre- 
ceding the Revolution, a critical time in the history of the colonies, 
during which occurred the French and Indian war, 1755-1760, giving 
to the English race and Protestantism the destinies of a new world. 

In Europe, the avaric or ambition of a king was sufficient to draw 
the nations into war. A fierce jealousy existed between George II. 
and Louis XV. of France, and, when France united with Spain to rob 
England of her commerce with her American colonies, New England was 
drawn in too. His majesty George II. forthwith fitted out an expedition 
for the conquest of the Spanish West Indies, and called on the colonies 
for men, money, and ships. The Connecticut asseinbly responded 
with cheerfulness to his majesty's demand, and lost nearly a thousand 
men in the expedition, which resulted in a total failure. 

When France, a few years later, proclaimed war against Great 
Britain, the New England colonies, nothing daunted by their recent 
losses in the Spanish seas, cried out that Louisburg must be taken. At 
their own expense, they fitted out an expedition which captured that 
most important stronghold of France in the New World, in which expe- 
dition Connecticut played an important part. The town of Farmington 
contributed its quota of men, among whom were probably men fro:n 
the parish of New Cambridge. 

It remains to be proved that men of this society took part in the 
colonial wars, but it is noteworthy the number of names which appear 
with military titles attached. 

The first militia company was fonned about 1748, and, as the 
titles appear after 1760, it is possible that they indicate not merely 
militia rank, but rank in the colonial army. 

Soon after the chvirch was established, a second influx of settlers 
occurred. The following years witnessed many arrivals until the twenty 
houses of the first period had increased, in the next period, to fifty. 

In the meantime, the early founders had retired from the stage 
and the new company appears whose character is distinctly militar}'. 

The Captains. Edv.-ard Gaylord. Caleb Matthews. Zehu'cn Peck, 
Zebulon Frisbie, Asa Upson, John Hungerford. 

The Lieutenants, Josiah Lewis, Amos Barnes, Samuel Gaylord. 



OR "NKW CAMBRIDGE." 



209 




RESIDENCE ALBERT L. SESSIONS, BELLEVUE AVENUE. 



Ensign Gersham Tuttle. 

Sergt. Zebnlon Frisbie, Jr., and Luke Gridley, a soldier in the French 
and Indian wars, whose diary recording his experiences in the war is 
still in the possession of his descendants. 

Other new names which appear are, Jerome, Atkins, Churchill, 
Roberts, Byington, Mix, Stone, Andrus, Shepard, Clark, Smith, Rogers, 
Pearson, Cole. Lastly Hezekiah Gridley, father and son, both men of 
distinction in civil and military affairs. 

The men of the second period took up not only the work laid down 
bv the founders. They assumed other burdens, the miantenance of 
tlie church, a share in the colonial wars, the building of schoolhouses 
and roads. 

THE VILLAGE ROADS. 

When the church was built, there were four roads in the parish. 
The church on the hill was the only building in sight, except Joseph 
Benton's house in the lot southeast. Roads, connecting the church 
with the four corners of the parish, were soon opened. Peaceable street 
was extended up the hill to the church door, for the convenience of 
Parson Newell, Deacon Rew, and Josiah Lewis. 

The Queen's Road people came over the ridge by a road running 
west and passing north of the Episcopal church property, a road unused 
for a century, but never closed up, which is today a grass-grown passage- 
way guarded by stone walls, whose name of Lovers' Lane suggests its 
pre'sent use. Midway, and at right angles with this, was another leading 
south and coming out at the mill. 

Center street connected the chvirch with West street, which is our 
most interesting early road, on account of its origin. West street is 
two hundred and eleven years old, and the only one in the village which 
lies in the highway of the original layout, its generous width alone bearing 
evidence of its descent from the colonial assembly. 

There is one other street which conforms with the highway of the 
original layout, the one running north and south on Chippin's Hill, 



210 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



which outrivals West street, being nearly twice as long and preserving, 
throughout its whole extent, the same generous width and having, in 
addition, magnificent views from the mountain. 

THE EARLY ARCHITECTURE. 

Of the twenty homes built during the first period, two still remain, 
Ebenezer Barnes's and Moses Lyman's. Of the former, the central 
portion with its stone chimney is the original house. The two ends, 
each with a brick chimney, which have been added, changed the dwelling 
house of the early settler into a commodious tavern. The wide roof, 
the three chimneys, the windows in long double rows, and the three 
front doors, give it a grave appearance, characteristic of early New 
England architecture. 

The second oldest house in town, the home of Moses Lyman on Fall 
Mountain retains, except for the ell on the west, its original shape. It 
is one hundred and sixty years old, but shows no sign of age or infirmity, 
and will, probably, outlast many of its youthful neighbors. In its 
interior and exterior, it is a good example of a simple colonial house. 
The second story projects over the first, but there are no orojections on 
the roof, no canopy over the door, no ornamentation, and hence no 
shadows, producing a severe expression, common alike to the homes 
and to the people of this early period. 

Another interesting specimen of early architecture and the best 
of the kind known as the "leanter," is a Lewis house on Lewis comer. 
It belongs to the second period of our history and was built in 1766. 
It has a somewhat decrepit appearance, owing to the fact that, for 
several years, no one has lived in it, but, for picturesqueness in color, 
outline, and setting, nothing in Bristol surpasses it. The old well sweep 
in front, the long slope of the "leanto" roof, the double arched sheds, 
bordered by grape vines, like carved decorations of Italian arcades, and 
the jagged stone chimney, compose a picture perfect of its kind. 

These represent the homes of the living. In the old cemeteries, 




PROSPECT STREET, FROM R. R. liRlUGE. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 211 

we find the founders and their successors in their last resting places — 
homes of the dead, we say. 

With few exceptions all are here, the minister and his wife, the 
deacons and their wives, the moderators and clerks, the captains and 
lieutenants, an honorable and venerable company in our old cemeteries. 

But the spirit of the founders lives on, as this anniversary gives 
witness. The sacrifices they made, the labors they endured, bear per- 
petual fruit, for the healing our souls, like the tree of life in the garden. 
They worked out the problems of their day and they hand down to us 
the result. With every generation come new problems, to solve which 
we gain inspiration from the founders, and from the memories of those 
eventful early years. 

[For their friendly interest, and for their most valued assistance 
in obtaining certain statistics and genealogical material used in this 
paper, grateful acknowledgments are due and are herewith tendered 
to Dea. F. O. Lewis, Bristol; James Shepard, Esq., New Britain; and 
Miss Sarah F. Pritchard, Waterbury.] 



212 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




THE BAPTIST CllL'KCH. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 213 



Tke Baptist Cnurch 

Compiled Largely from a SketcK Prepared by Roswell 
Atkins in 1880 



ON April 13, 1791, in the town of Plymouth, a small company of 
Christian people effected the organization which is now known 
as the Bristol Baptist Church. In exactly what building the 
organization took place is not now known. The first ordination 
of a minister occurred in the building afterwards occvipied as a dwelling 
by Lyman Tuttle. When and by whom the building was erected is 
not now certainly known. In 1798, the church reported at the meeting 
of the Danbury Association that its membership list numbered sixty- 
six. Whether this is accurate or not is open to question. The mem- 
bership roll of that date shows only twenty-six names. The additions 
for that year were reported to be twenty-one. The record, however, 
shows only eight. This confusion of numbers was not at all infrequent 
in those days when church bookkeeping did not receive as much atten- 
tion as now. 

In 1802, the membership of the church is given as one hundred 
and seven. Rev. Daniel Wildman was the minister. How long Mr. 
Wildman remained pastor of the church we do not know, but it must 
have been for a number of years, probal')ly until 1817. 

For twenty-six years, from 1791 to 1817, the records of the church 
are very scanty. Three pages in one book and six in another tell all 
that IS now known of those years. Of the Ecclesiastical Society there 
are no records until 1814. The first entry in these records tells us that 
there was "A meeting for hiring a preacher and other necessaries." 
In the same month, November, it was voted "that we have preaching 
half of the time and that a committee be appointed to secure it; and 
that Austin Bishop, Ichabod Wright, and Samuel Atkins be the com- 
mittee." 

The first record of a preacher receiving a salary in this church is 
in 1816, when it was voted that the preacher be paid three hurudred 
dollars per year. For a short time previous, five dollars a Sunday had 
been paid, but it is not positively known whether it was paid to a singing 
teacher or to the preacher. 

In 1801, Rev. Daniel Wildman bought, from his father. Captain 
Daniel Wildman, the land on the corner of West and School streets 
which for about eighty years held the meeting house of the Bristol 
Baptists. In 1809 this property was deeded to the Baptist Society. 
The meeting house had been built upon it some time before. In 1830, 
this house of worship was moved from its first site and was used for a 
clock shop. We cannot determine when the meetings were first held 
in the vicinity where this church stood, but previous to the building of 
the house, they were held in a hall standing where the parsonage after- 
wards stood. The evening meetings were held in a house a little south 
of this hall, afterwards owned by Theron Sandford. During these twenty- 
six years, from 1791 to 1817, the record gives one hundred and twenty- 
two to the roll of membership. There is reason, however, to believe 
that this is not a complete list. Fifty-two of this number were received 



214 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




REV. HENRY CLARKE. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 215 

between October, 1815, and October, 18Hi. Elder Wildnum was the 
preacher and he was assisted at times during this year by Elder David 
Wright and probably by Orra Martin. One of those received during 
this period was Asa Bronson, Jr., who afterwards entered the ministry 
and was a very successful preacher and pastor. 

In 1817, Orra Martin was called from Wisconsin to be the pastor 
of the church. He continued in this pastorate until August, 1820, and 
maintained membership with the church for nearly a year later. In 
September of that same year, Elder Isaac Merriam was invited to preach 
for the church. He accepted the invitation and continued the regular 
supply until March, 1823, when he was settled as pastor, and he and his 
wife brought letters from the Baptist Church in Brandon, Vermont. 
He remained with the church until April, 1825, and continued a member 
of the church until October, 1826. During his ministry there were added 
to the church thirty-five by baptism. One of the number was Rollin 
H. Neale, D. D., who was licensed to preach, February 12, 1826. Two 
of those who until during this pastorate were Deacon George Welch and 
his wife, who came to the church by letter. The only ordination 
of a deacon that has occurred in the history of the church was in this 
period, when, on May 7, 1826, Irenus Atkins was ordained. 

In January, 1827, the Rev. Henry Stanwood was invited t(j supply 
the church, and on May 2, 1828, he accei.ted the call to the pastorate 
and continued with the cliurch as pastor until March, 1834. During 
his ministrv seventy-six were added by baptism. Among them were 
B. F. Haw'ley and E. N. Welch. During Elder Stanwood 's ministry, 
another house of worship was built. This occurred in 1830. The only 
record that has been found with regard to it is the following: "Septem- 
ber, 1829, special meeting to take into consideration the expediency of 
building a new meetinghouse. George Mitchell, Truman Prince, and 
Daniel B. Hinman were appointed a committee to obtain subscriptions 
for building a new house for public worship, and also to ascertain the 
difference in expense of wood or brick and report at the next meeting. 
Adjourned to the 17th." Another record shows that the new house 
of Worship was used for the first time about the last of December, 1830. 

In 1832, a conference house was built. Sherman Johnson, Miles 
Norton, and RoUin Atkins were the building committee. In the same 
year occurs the first record of expenses being met by the rental of pews. 
Previous to this most of the money had been raised by subscription or 
property assessment. 

After the resignation of Elder Stanwood, Elder William Bentley 
preached for the church until the spring of 1835. At that time Rev. 
Orsamus Allen was asked to preach for one year. The presumption is 
that "he continued to preach for the church until 1837. During this 
time there were eighteen baptisms and fourteen additions by letter. 

From October 1, 1837, until April 29, 1838, the church listened to 
the preaching of Elder Francis Hawley. After Elder Haw ley, there 
seems to have been no settled pastor until June, 1841 . Different preachers 
ministered to the f^ock. Among these was Rev. Simon Shailer. This 
period seems to have been one of hard trial to the church. 

In June, 1.S41, Rev. James Squier became the pastor and remained 
until May, 1842. During his ministry there was a revival in which 
twenty-nine were baptised. The pastor was assisted by Rev. J. Ro- 
bords, of Galway. 

In April, 1842, Edward Savage, a recent graduate of Madison Uni- 
versity, was engaged as supply, and in September of the same year was 
ordained pastor. He remained with the church until December 4, 
1846. During his pastorate thirty-nine were added by baptism and 
twenty-one by letter. In 1844, the ill health of Mr. Savage compelled 
him to spend a few months in travel. The church, during the absence 
of Mr. Savage, was cared for by Rev. S. D. Phelps, D. D., who was then 
a student. 

In 1843, the house which now stands on the southeast corner of 



216 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

West and Meadow streets was "built for a parsonage. The land was 
given for that purpose by Deacon George Welch. This projierty was 
sold in 1863 and a house which stood next to the church was bought 
with the proceeds, and for a number of years served as the church par- 
sonage . 

On January 29, 1847, the Rev. Leicester Lewis became pastor of 
the church. He continued the pastoral relation until September 25, 
1853. There were added to the church during his ministry sixty-nine, 
of whom forty-six came by baptism. 

On January 8, 1854, Rev. J. T. Smith of Sandisfield, Mass., accepted 
the pastorate He began his labors in the spring, and was installed 
June 28th. He continued in this pastorate until August 1st, 1856. 

In September of the same year. Rev. Isaac H. Gilbert, a recent 
graduate of Brown University, was called as pastor. He was ordained 
November 26th of that year. He continued with the church until 
April 26, 1863, and then went to the church in Middletown. Sixty- 
nine were added to the church during his ministration, forty-seven of 
them by baptism. 

From this time until January, 1866, the church was without a pastor. 
Among its supplies was the famous Jabez S. Swan, and also his son, 
Rev. C. Y. Swan. On January 26, 1866, Rev. George E. Horr of Orange, 
N. J., was tendered an invitation to the pastorate. He began his labors 
about the first of May of that same year, and continued with the church 
imtil November, 1868. 

Until April, 1870, after the resignation of Mr. Horr, the church 
was again depending upon supplies. But, in March, 1870, the Rev. 
Charles W. Ray of Jewett City was urged to take up the pastoral rela- 
tion. He accepted the invitation and began his work in April. He 
remained until August 31, 1873. During his ministry there was a re- 
vival of which mention is still made. Seventy-four united with the 
church in his pastorate, fifty-two of whom were by baptism. 

On April 7, 1874, the church extended a call to Rev. Delavan De- 
wolf of Delavan, Wisconsin. Mr. Dewolf came in response to the call, 
and remained with the church until September 1, 1886. His ministry 
was a fruitful one and he was much beloved by the church and com- 
•munity. During this period, the present church building was erected, 
and also the present parsonage. The new building was occupied for 
worship for the first time in September, 1880. Both the church and 
parsonage are, in several respects, model buildings, and are associated 
in the minds of many with the ministration of Mr. Dewolf. 

On October 21, 1886, Rev. F. E. Tower of Brattleboro. Vemiont, 
was invited to the pastorate. The invitation met with his approval 
and his work with the church began on November 1st, of that year. 
Mr. Tower remained with the church until January 1, 1894. He was a 
student, an author, and a preacher of wide intellectual grasp. 

The church extended a call to Rev. John S. Lyon, of Fair Haven, 
Vermont, on March 18, 1894. Mr. Lyon began his work in Bristol on 
May 1st of the same year. He continued with the church until the 
last Sunday in December, 1900. He at once took a very large place 
in the life of the community. His power as a public speaker was ex- 
ceptional and his personality won for him a multitude of friends. His 
pastorate was successful from every point of view, and it was with the 
deepest regret that the church was compelled to acceot his resignation. 
He is still remembered in Bristol with great admiration and affection. 
The notable revival under Evangelist Jackson occurred during this 
pastorate. It was an inter-denoniinational movement, and was far- 
reaching in its influence and results. 

Rev. Henry Clarke of Stonington, Conn., on May 5, 1901, was 
voted a call by the church to become its pastor. His pastorate began 
in June of that year, and continues at the present time. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 217 



Rambles Among the Bristol Birds 



By Frank Bruen. 

"To business that we love 
We rise betimes 
And go to 't with delight." 

Anthony and Cleopatr.\ — Shakespeare. 

BRISTOL is well situated for pleasant walks, for bird and nature 
study. Go in whatsoever direction you will there is a great 
deal to charm the eye and ear; though the woodman's greed 
has done much in recent years to deprive Bristol of her assets 
of "woodland beauty, and her birds of mvich needed hoines, food and 
shelter. Let us hope that owners of woodlots may soon learn the prin- 
ciples and practice of common sense timber culture. 

Space would forbid my treating in detail of rambles at all seasons, 
so I shall confine myself largely to May when the spring migration is 
at its culmination, with lapses backward perhaps, or leaps ahead as 
may be convenient. 

It is five o'clock in the morning at Federal Green and the sym- 
phony of bird music thrills the ears of bird lovers and fills the novice 
with mingled pleasure and bewildennent. 

The "Robin Chorus" is largely over at this time and different species 
like players in an orchestra give voice or withdraw when their turns 
come. The Robin is still most noticeable, but Chippy's little ditty 
almost unheard before is now quite prominent. The Rose-breasted 
Grosbeak's sweet, rich song is heard from half a dozen directions; the 
Least Flycatcher calls "chebec" from everywhere; the Bluebirds sound 
their sweet warble, the Purple Finch in ecstacy circles over head, pour- 
ing out delicious song, then goes fluttering to some perch, but unable to 
contain his happiness there he is up in the air again. His cousins, the 
Gold Finches in the elms, are equally happy and tuneful. 

Up by the Congregational Church the Wood Peewee is calling 
plaintively and the Flickers are courting near by or drumming loudly 
on some dead branch, and the Downy Woodpecker is not backward 
in showing off his skill in the same way. 

Over by St. Joseph's Church the Catbird is singing gloriously, show- 
ing that it is only a step from the sublime to the ridiculous, by ending 
his song with a miserable catcall. 

The Purple Grackle from the colony nearby flies overhead with 
his hysterical call, a Humming bird buzzes by to some early blossom, 
the Baltimore Oriole sings from the elms where his pendant cradle is 
well under way, the Chimney Swift goes chattering overhead and in 
the distance we hear the Field Sparrow, Indigo Bunting, the Crow, 
Blue Jay and other birds which we shall see later on. 

But who is this little fellow above our heads almost deafening us 



218 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




NEST OF HUMMING BIRD. 

with his "Hear me, see me, where are you?" It is the Yellow Throated 
Vireo and his cousin the Red Eyed Vireo is preaching away in the maple 
across the street; below the hill the Warbling Vireo, to me the sweetest 
of singers, is warbling out his joy. Earlier in the season we may hear 
the Solitary Vireo's fascinating song. 

Warblers we hear in great variety, especially the Black and White's 
wheezy notes, the Redstart, Chestnut Sided and others, besides that 
quaintest of songs the "Ta, ta; ta, to, how do?" of the Black Throated 
Green Warbler. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE 



219 




ROBIN S NEST AND EGGS. 

(An iiuiisual place for a Robin's Nest.) 

But as warblers the warblers are a great failure, they should have 
been called wood sprites instead of wood warblers. 

All this time the House Wren has been bubbling over with his ex- 
plosive song and to appease his wrath for leaving him so long unnoticed 
I beg his pardon. The "Thank, thank, thank" or "Wet, wet, wet, wet" 
of the White-Breasted Nuthatch or "devil downhead" as he is some- 
times called, will be seldom heard because his family duties forbid his 
showing himself much in public at this time. Otherwise he would be 
frequently seen going up or down the trees head up or head down as 
suited his convenience. 

Other birds may be seen and heard here, but the sun is getting 
high and we must hasten away. 

Our route is along Queen St., to the "Old Lane" entrance. Besides 
the birds just mentioned which seem to attend us on our way, we soon 
hear the Yellow Warbler or Summer Yellow Bird, and hardly have we 
entered the "Old Lane" than "Silver Tongue," the Song Sparrow, whose 
song we have been hearing, begins to scold, and near by in the grass 
among the briars nicely hid away, his nest is found with its speckled 
beauties or hungry little ones. 

Now the Brown Thrasher's itnrivalled song comes to us in full force 
from yonder tall tree and we stop to listen, breathless. 

Next we come to "Chat Hollow," one-time favorite home of the 
Yellow-breasted Chat, White-eyed Vireo and a host of other birds, but 
its glories have largely departed because the swamp feeding ground 



220 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



abo\ie has been cleared away. But the place is full of the memories of 
former days and of the antics and queer noises of that clown in feathers, 
the Chat. 

The bell-like song of the wood thrush and the Buzz, buzz, buzz of 
the Gold^-winged, or the Buzz, buzz of the Blue-winged warbler, is 
generally heard. Chestnut-sided, Prairie, Nashville, Redstart, and 
other warblers are generally heard there yet, and the "'Teacher, teacher, 
teacher" of the Oven-bird is sure to come from all sides, as does also the 
"Stick your peas" of the Towhee or Chewink. 







WHITE-BREASTED NUT HATCH, HEAD DOWNWARDS. 



A little farther along Phoebe used to call froin above the old copper 
mine mouth, where year after year its nest was made, until unfeeling 
boys broke up the home. 

Here we should hear the Grouse drum on the hill. 

The Northern Yellow-Throat (formerly Maryland Yellow-Throat) is 
in forceful evidence with his "wichity, wichity, wich." Here, too, the 
Fox-sparrow may be heard early in the spring. 

We wander on to the "Lone Pine," then leave the "Old Lane" and 
skirt along the woods below the standpipe, through alder and birch 
growths, noting here and there a new bird for our list or stopping to 
see or hear the old favorites. The Scarlet Tanager will be singing from 
some tall tree top and the Hairy Woodpecker giving his long roll from 
some dead limb and if we are very lucky we may hear a Red-headed 
Woodpecker calling from the "Maple Croft" woods. Through Maple- 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



221 







THE LONE PI\E AND THE OLD LANE. 



croft we go to Lewis Corners tmd the Pines, we hear the Vesper, Grass- 
hopper, and Savannah Sparrows sing, and the Barn Swallows twitter 
about us, and a troupe of Wa.x Wings may fly over us. 

A Red Shouldered Hawk too is likely to leave her nest and circle 
about, screaming overhead. In the meadow the Bob-o-link is tinkling 
his metallic" song and the Meadow Lark's song floats sweetly to us. 

Here, too, the Kingbird loves to perch on some apple tree giving 
sharp calls between bites, and the Crested Fly-catcher's call is heard 
froin the hillside, and from the distant swamp we may be fortunate 
enough to hear the wierd flute-like song of the Veery or Wilson's Thrush. 
Never shall I forget iny endeavors to fasten that song to the right bird. 
Bob White's clear whistle was wont to be heard here but he is well nigh 
extinct about Bristol. 

Up the valley to Edgewood, rounding the "Dumpling" we come 
to the ponds, and, where the foaming, dashing cascade begins may be 
heard the thrilling, wild song of the Louisiana Water Thrush. Here the 
Little Green Heron may be seen; the Red Wings will scold you from the 
alders. Sandpipers run along the shore, and Kingflshers sound their 
policemen's rattle as they fly from one favorite perch to another. A 
Swamp Sparrow may be heard in the swamp and on rare occasions a 
Great Blue Heron may fly out. Chickadee may be found already housed 
in some rotted stump, and at night the Whippoorvvill will call from the 
"Dumpling" and sometimes a Night Hawk calls overhead. 



222 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Across the fields to Birge's Pond, through the Hoppers to "Cuss 
Gutter" over Fall Mountain to "Cedar Swamp" or down the Pequabuck 
to the Y, and around South Mountain to Compounce by way of "Purga- 
tory" to hear the Water Thrush sing, the ponds below, the timbered 
lands east to Forestville, or up the river to Terryville, all are walks of 
beauty and interest. 

But May is not the only month, for all seasons have their own 
peculiar charm and the somber days of winter are no exception. What 
can make one feel more sure of the Father's care over his creatures than 
to find a tiny Winter Wren living secifrely in the depths of "Cuss Gutter" 
when the Frost King has fettered the swift stream, save for a few breath- 
ing spots, and the earth is buried down in snow? One comes very near 
to Nature's God amid such scenes. 

One great charm of the winter rambles is the finding of unexpected 
birds, those, who for some unknown reason, have remained North, 
when their comrades went South, or who are erratic in their movements, 
or who have become rare for the locality, they are as follows: 







-i^' 




PHCEBE ON NEST, PHOTOGRAPHED FROM LIFE WITH THE AID OF MIRRORS 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



223 




NEST AND EGGS OF THE SONG SPARROW. 



Bluebird, Robin, American Crossbill, White Winged Crossbill, Purple 
Finch, Northern Flicker, Evening Grosbeak (1905 and 1907), Pine Gros- 
beak, Marsh Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Kingfisher, Ruby-crowned King- 
let, Meadow Lark, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red Poll-linnet, Northern 
Shrike, Pine Siskin, Snow Bunting, Song Sparrow, White-throated 
Sparro^\^ Hemiit Thrush, Towhee Bunting, Myrtle Warbler, Bohemian 
and Cedar Wax Wings and Winter Wren. 

Bristol is both a popular summer and winter resort for birds; poor 
indeed would be our showing of birds if we had to depend upon our 
pennanent residents. 

The following birds may be called residents : 

Bob White (ahnost extinct). Black Capped Chickadee, American 
Crow, Ruffed Grouse, Bluejay, White-breasted Nuthatch, Barred Owl, 
Screech Owl, English Sparrow, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers. 

Then there are those species which are constantly with us but of 
which the individuals may or may not breed to the north of us, these 
to coin a new term, I call resident-inigrants. 

They are the Crow, American Goldfinch, American Sparrow Hawk, 
Red-tailed, Red-shouldered and Marsh Hawks and Song Sparrow. 

Another class is made up of winter visitants, birds that breed to 
the north of us and come to spend the winter w'ith us. They are Brown 
Creeper, American and White Winged Crossbills, Evening Grosbeak, 
very rare, Pine Grosbeak, occasional, but then in force, American Rough 
Legged Hawk, Goshawk, Slate-colored Junco or Snow-bird, Golden 
Crowned Kinglet, Saw Whet Owd, Red PoU-linnett, Northern Shrike, 



224 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 




'^%i^^cSm^<K 







NEST AND EGGS OF THE PHCEBE, PHOTOGRAPHED FROM LIFE BY THE USE 

OF MIRRORS. 

Pine Siskin, Snow Bunting or Snow Flake, Tree Sparrow, Winter Wren. 
Red-breasted Nuthatch and Bohemian Wax Wing. 

A large class is migrant in the spring time going north, and returning 
in the fall on their way south. 

These are Rusty Grackle, American Golden-eye Duck, Olive-sided 
Fly Cathcer, Yellow-bellied Fly Catcher, Canada Goose, Pied-billed 
Grebe, Broad-winged Hawk, Pigeon Hawk, Sharp Shinned Hawk, Great 
Blue Heron, Ruby Crowned Kinglet, Loon, Orchard Oriole, rare, Osprey, 
American Pipit, Solitary Sandpiper, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Fox 
Sparrow, Savanna Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, White-throated 
Sparrow, Gray-cheecked Thrush, Hermit Thrush, Olive-backed Thrush, 
Blueheaded or Solitary Vireo, Bay-breasted, Black Bumian, Black Poll, 
Black Throated Blue Canadian Flycatching, Connecticut, Magnolia, 
Myrtle, Nashville and Northern Parula, Wilson's, Black Cap and Yellow 
Palm Warblers, N. Y. Water Thrush and Red-headed Woodpecker. 

The largest class is of summer residents, these are the ones that 
attract the most attention by their songs and these are the ones most 
of us mean when we say "the birds have come back again." Some 
of them lap over into the preceding classes. They are as follows: 

American Bittern, rare. Red-shouldered Blackbird, Blue Bird, 
Bob-o-link, Indigo Bunting, Catbird, Cowbird, Crow, Black-billed and 
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Mourning Dove, rare, Black Duck, rare. Purple 
Finch, Northern Flicker, Crested Flycatcher, Least Flycatcher, Purple 
Grackle, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Coopers, Marsh, Red-shouldered and 
Red-Tailed Hawks, Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Green Heron, 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



^25 




NIGHT HAWK S NEST AND EGGS. 



226 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 








FRANK BRUEN. 



Ruby-throated Humming-bird, Kingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Purple 
Martin, Meadow Lark, Night Hawk, Baltimore Oriole, Wood Peewee. 
Phcebe, Robin, Spotted Sandpiper, Chipping, Field, Grasshopper, 
Henslow's, Swamp, Song and Vesper Sparrows, Bank, Barn, Cliff, 
Rough-winged and Tree Swallows, Chimney Swift, Scarlet Tanager, 
Brown Thrasher, Towhee Bunting, Red-eyed, Warbling, White-eyed 
and Yellow-throated Vireos, American Red-start, Blackthroated, Green, 
Black, White, Blue Winged, Chestnut-sided and Golden-winged Warblers, 
Northern Yellow Throat, Oven Bird, Pine and Prairie Warblers, Louisiana 
Water Thrush, Yellow Warbler or Summer Yellowbird, Yellow-breasted 
Chat, Cedar Wax-wing, Whippoorwill, American Wood Cock, and House 
Wren. 

This list is probably far from complete but the writer, with one 
exception, has named only the birds seen by himself. 

An intimate personal acquaintance with the birds is a lifelong 
joy and I hope that all Bristol people and others may try to emulate, 
in knowledge at least, Hiawatha, whom Longfellow thus pictures: 

"Then the little Hiawatha 

Learned of every bird its language, 
Learned their names and all their secrets, 

How they built their nests in summer. 
Where they hid themselves in winter. 

Talked with them whene'er he met them, 
Called them 'Hiawatha's chickens.' " 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE.' 227 



History of School District No. 9 

ScKool District No. 7, 1796— Sckool District No. 9, 1896=' 



Record of homes in no. 7 from 1796 to 1896, to'the division 

LINE OF 1842. 

By Mrs. H. S. Bartholomew. 

REVIEWING the changeful years of a century in the history 
of Xo. 7, or the North East School District of Bristol, it is 
evident that its beginning as a distinct school district dates 
from one year after the Connecticut School Fund became 
available for free and public schools, 1795. 

When in 1796, the town held its first school meeting in the "meeting- 
house," Joseph Byington, from the North East part of the town was 
moderator and David Lewis, from the same section, was one of the 
nine voted "to be school committee for the several districts to which 
they respectively belong." 

The division of the town in 1768, into five districts, was thus made 
obsolete. 

In 1798, Noah Byington, son of Joseph, Senior, received his appoint- 
ment as Investigating or School Society's Committee and at the same 
time James Hadsell was made a District School Committee, one of ten 
in number. They were residents of No. 7, or the North East District. 

Noah Byington served many years in his official capacity. Some- 
times with Esquire Thomas or George Mitchell they constituted the 
entire board of examiners and school visitors, as in 1820. Usually 
several others were chosen also to perform the duties of the committee. 
Mr. Byington was a surveyor. His home was near and south of the 
first school house of the district No. 7, very near the present home of 
Franklin Yale, on the east side of the way. He was born 1762, and 
died 1834. His wife, Lucy, died 1798, age 32. The third wife, Ruth 
Manross, daughter of Deacon Elisha Manross of Forestville, died at 
the old home, 1867, aged 95 years. Of the children two sons, Noah 
Henry and Charles were physicians of Bristol and Southington, and 
Welles R., a deacon of Congregational Church, Bristol, 1830-1849. 
(All the Byingtons were large, strong men.) (From H. I. Muzzy.) 
After the death of Mrs. Byington in 1867, the house was last occupied 
by Michael Lyons, who removed soon to Farmington and built a house 
west of "the Meadows," near Bristol town line. 



* The illustrations accompanying this article, have in all cases (where mention of the 
subject illustrated has been made in the text), been numbered to correspond with the 
number denoting their location on the Map op District No. 9. 

For a few years previous to Oct. 10, 1896, the town conveyed pupils from No. 7 to 
the school in Edgewood. At that date it was voted in an adjourned town meeting "to 
form of No. 7, and No. 9, a new school district, called No. 9, to contain all the territory 
in both." 



228 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



SKIBB5IREEN 




MAP OF DISTRICT NO. 9, 

PREPARED BY 

MRS. H. S. BARTHOLOMEW, 

TO ACCOMPANY THIS 

ARTICLE. 



LIST OF BUILDINGS AND BUILDING SITES AS INDICATED ON ABOVE MAP 
OF DISTRICT No. 9. 



No. 1, David Lewis and Joel Norton Places; No. 2, Hiram Norton Place; No. 3, 
Michael Critchley Place; No. 4, James Hadsell, Jr., Place; No. 5, Mining Company's 
House; No. 6, Ephraim Culver Place; No. 7, Mine Superintendent's House; No. 8, Store 
of Mining Co.; No. 9, Abel Yale (1st and 2d) Place; No. 10, Thomas Yale and Adna Hart 
Places; No. 11, John Bacon Place; No. 12, Schoolhouse No. 2; No. 13, the Joel Hart Place; 
No. 14, James Hadsell, Sr., Place; No. 15, Hadsell's Cooper Shop; No. 16, the Muzzy Saw 
Mill; No. 17, the Ward, Shane, etc., Place; No. 18, the Martin Hart Place; No. 19. Pest 
House, the Calvin vWooding Place; No. 20, James Hadsell, Sr., Place; No. 21, Philo Stevens 
Place; No. 22, Samuel Botsford Place; No. 23, Theophilus Botsford Place; No. 24, Henry 
Smith Place; No. 25, Schoolhouse No. 1; No. 26, Ashbel Mix Place; No. 27, Noah Byington 
Place; No. 28, Joseph Byington Place; No. 29, Luther Tuttle Place; No. .30. Wilson 
Sheldon Place; No. 31, Thos. Martin Place; No. 32', Mark Lewis and David Steele Places; 
No. 33, William Jerome, 3d, Place; No. 34, Simeon Curtiss Place; No. 35, Wm. Jerome, 
1st, Place; No. 36, Horace O. Miller Place; No. 37, William Jerome, 2d, Place; No. 38, 
Wellington Winston, Sr., Place; No. 39, John London Place; No. 40, John London Place; 
No. 41, Asahel Mix Place; No. 42, Wm. B. Carpenter Place; No. 43, H. S. Bartholomew 
Place; No. 44, George W. Bartholomew Place; No. 45, Asa Bartholomew Place; No. 46, 
Wm. Jerome, 3d, and David Steele Places; No. 47, Lauren Byington Place; No. 48, 
Martin Byington Place; No. 49, John Conklin Place; No. 50, Moses Pickingham Place; 
No. 51, Allen Winston Place; No. 52, Jeremiah Stever Place; No. 53, Philo and Andrew 
Curtiss Places; No. 54, Schoolhouse No. 3; No. 55, Asa Austin Upson Place; No. 56, 
Charles Belden Place; No. 57, Ephraim McEwen Place; No. 58, IsaaclGillett Place; 
No. 59, Jerome B. Ford Place; No. 60, Grinding Shop; No. 61, Hardware Factory and 
Gristmill; No. 62, Saw Mill; No. 63, J. B. Ford's Machine Shop. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 229 

Story of Noah Byixgton related by H. S. Bartholomew in 1901, 
TO HIS Daughter. 

"One night in early summer as Noah Byington lay in his four-post 
bed, in his little one story house (No. 27), with the lower half of his 
front door fastened, and the upper half open to admit the air, he heard 

a knock and called out : 'Who's there?' 'Mr.- ,' was the reply. 'I'm 

going to begin school tomorrow inorning on Fed Hill* and want to be 
examined.' 'Why I can't do it now,' said Mr. Byington. 'Don't you 
see it's after eight o'clock and I've gone to bed? If you'll come back 
early in the morning I'll do it.' Then the visitor pleaded that he had 
something else to occupy the inorning; it was a long walk and couldn't 
he do it then. 'Well,' said Mr. B., 'I can lie here and ask you some 
questions.' So there was a pause and the would-be teacher hung over 
the half door in the dim light waiting to make reply. 'How many 
sounds has A?' was the first question. 'Why A sounds like A', Avas 
the answer. 'Hasn't it any sound but just that one?' queried Mr. B. 
'No,' replied the stranger. 'Well you don't pass,' was the announce- 
ment. 'Go home and study your spelling book.' 

"School did not begin on Fed Hill the next morning." 
David Lewis, son of Josiah, first School Committee of District 
No. 7, 1796, lived in the North East part of the town and District No. 7 
of Bristol on Stafford Avenue at its junction with Mines Road. 
No. 1.) He married Martha Horsford of Canton. Doubtless he received 
from his father the invariable marriage gift to his sons — eight in number 
— viz. : a farm of one hundred acres, a house, a barn, a cow, a hive of 
bees and a "Waterbury Sweet" apple tree. 

The children were Chester, b. 1785, Cyrus and Electa, b. 1791. 
The}^ united with the church Feb. 4, 1816. Chester Lewis married 
Annah Beckwith, sister to Dana. She died 1833, aged 47. Their 
daughter, Angelina, died. 

Almon Lewis, the son of Chester, married Orra Melissa Brown, 
who died 1889, age 70. Almon Lewis was a dry goods merchant, hav- 
ing stores at two places on North Street, Bristol. First, east of Doo- 
little's Corner on the south. The second store was west of the first on 
the north side of North Street, facing North Main Street. He built 
a house on Maple Street, Bristol, opposite his brother-in-law, Jonathan 
C. Brown, clock manufacturer of Forestville, now owned by Wilfred 
H. Nettleton. 

Of his children (great-grandchildren of David Lewis), Irving, 
Ashburton and Emily, only Irving is married. He has a rausic store 
in Brooklyn, N. Y. Ashburton teaches music in Brooklyn public schools. 

No data for Cyrus Lewis is at hand, later than 1816. Electa Lewis, 
third child of David Lewis, became second wife of Newell Byington. 
She died 1866, age 75. 

Chester Lewis was killed by the cars at Doolittle's Comer, 1863, 
when returning from the funeral of Billy Hart, son of Calvin and Anne 
(Yale) Hart. He was 78 years of age. 

David Lewis and his wife remained at this house for a season or 
more after its sale to Joel Norton, Jr., about 1815 the two families hav- 
ing fires in opposite ends of the large fireplace. The family having a 
fire in the end near the large brick oven, was obliged to put it out when 
baking was done. David Lewis died 1818, age 65. Martha, his wife, 
died 1836, aged 82. 



Years ago "Federal Hill" was often called "Fed Hill. 



230 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Joel Norton, Jr., b. on Fall Mountain, 1782. Married Jemimi, 
daughter of Jesse and Mary (Scott) Gaylord, 1805. Children, Henry 
G , b 1806; Hiram, b. 1808; Ammi, b. 1810; Harriet, b. 1813; Rachel, 
b. 'l815; Charles, b. 1821. Joel Norton died 1853. Jemimi died 1857. 
Henry G., b. 1806, married Parthenia T. True of Portland, Me., 1835. 
He was manufacturer, wholesale and retail dealer in all kinds of rubber 
goods in New York City with several stores in other cities. His only 
child, Mary E., married June, 1862. Alexander Wiirst, artist, son of 
Christopher, also an artist, natives of Dort, Holland. The son took, 
in 1866, the Royal Gold Medal in Brussells, Belgium, on the picture 
given by the heirs of Henry G. Norton to the Boston Museum of Art. 
The same year he took a medal at "Th*e Hague" on a "NorAvegian Tor- 
rent," now belonging to Luther S. Norton. There were other prizes 
besides two Prince of Wales medals. He died in Antwerp, 1876. Mary 
(Norton) Wiisrt died on her wedding journey in Geneva, Switzerland, 
August, 1862. 

In 1864-5, Henry G. Norton built near the site of the David Lewis 
house (No. 1), the present Norton residence as a home for his brother, the 
late Deacon Charles Norton. When finished it was considered equal, if 
not superior, to any other dwelling in town, for richness and elegance 
of the building and furnishings. The barns were built in keeping with 
the house. They were across the town line in Burlington. One of 
them has been sold and moved to Whigville. Henry G. Norton died 
at this house, July, 1877. His collection of books in New York was 
presented to the Bristol Public Library. The family also gave $5,000 
to the Bristol Library. 

Ammi, third son of Joel, Jr., b. 1810, married Martha Smith of 
Burlington, 1837. She died in New Haven, 1860. M. second, Jane 
Gridley, now living in N. H. Ammi Norton lived in Forestville in the 
house now occupied by Geo. Doherty on West Washington St. He 
was of the firm "Manross, Norton & Welton," doing business in a factory 
built in 1836, where the Burner Factory now stands. Spool-stands, 
faucets, sand boxes and ink-stands were made. His children were 
Celia B., b. 1839, in Forestville. After the death of her mother and 
of her cousin, Mrs. M. E. Wiirst, she was adopted into the family of her 
uncle, Henry G. Norton. She died Dec. 24, 1903. Wallace, son of 
Ammi Norton, was in the Civil War. Later he became a salesman for 
Henry G. Wallace Norton died — . 

Harriet Norton, b. 1813, m. Henry Gridley, 1840. Mr. Gridley 
was born and lived most of his life in Stafford district. Mrs. Harriet 
Gridley died 1878 at Maple St., Bristol. Henry Gridley married 2d, 
Rachel, fifth child of Joel Norton and widow of Richard Moses of Bur- 
lington, whom she married in 1836. Of her ten Moses children, Harriet, 
the oldest was an excellent district school teacher. School registers 
show the years she taught at the Mines and in Edgewood, then called 
Polkville. She finished her last term of school at the latter place in 
1859, and soon after married Elias Baldwin, a nephew of Mrs. Franklin 
Newell of Peaceable St. During the recitation of passages from the 
Bible as usual in the school, the late John Henry Sessions, then a lad 
of ten years, repeated his text, chosen with care, Matthew 17:3, "And 

behold there appeared imto them Moses and Elias talking ". 

Adrien Moses (2), a prominent man and granger of Burlington; Ellen 
Moses (3) married Asa Upson of Peaceable St.; Bernard Moses (4), 
Professor of Languages ^in Berkeley College, California, accepted from 
President Wm. McKinley his appointment to the Philippine Commis- 
sion of which Justice Wm. Taft was the head, and spent his term of 
years at the Islands. Other children of Richard and Rachel (Norton) 
Moses are in the West, if living. 

■ Charles Norton, b. 1821, youngest child of Joel and Jemimi (Gay- 
lord) Norton; married 1846, Martha G. Stocking of Kensington. Four 
children. : 

Luther S. (1), b. 1847; married Sarah Frisbie, 1869. [Ch. : Charles, 
1874; Parthenia G., 1888.] 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



131 



Alfred (2), b. 184S; m. Adeline Lowrey, daughter of Alfred. [Ch.: 
Clara (1), Luella (2), Mary (3). 

Henry C. (3), b. 1851; m. Florence Mooney of N. Y. C. He is 
now living in San Francisco, Cal. Manager of the Pacific Coast Rubber 
Company. 

Elizabeth (4), b. 1862, who married Gilbert Blakesley of Bristol. 

Charles Norton was a deacon of Congregational Church from 1867 
until his death in 1882, aged 60. He attended the funeral of his brother 
Am:ni in New Haven, where he contracted the fatal cold. Ammi Norton 
died 1882, aged 71. 

Hiram Norton, second son of Joel, Jr., born 1808, lived at the next 
house (No. 2), west on the north side of the way. Mines Road. He 
married, 1831, Flora, daughter of Abel Yale, Jr., or third. One child, 
Edgar, born 1835. Hiram Norton died 1878, age 70. Mrs. Flora Nor- 
ton removed to Divinity street, Bristol, where she died 1891. Edgar 
A. married, 1859, Julia A. Barnes, daughter of Jerry. Children: Walter 
M., William E., Eugenia B., Harland B. Edgar Norton died Nov. 21, 
1892. 

Hiram Norton's old home is now in use by Luther S. Norton as a 
farm and tenant house. 

After 1860 Michael Critchley brought the old Whigville school house 
(No. 3), from near the Mines' Reservoir (where it had been in use by 
Keron Hyland as a dwelling) and located it west of Hiram Norton's 
house on the same side of Mines Road. His children were Christopher, 
David, Michael, Arthur, Maggie and Jem:nie. 

James Prior also had a home here and was the district's school 
committee, before 1887, when John Peterson, a milk dealer, purchased 
the place of George Steele. He enlarged the house and has occupied 
it im.til the present time. John and Matilda (Neilson) Peterson have 




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m'k 



SCHOOLHOUSE (fOR MANY YEARS UNOCCUPIED) NEAR COPPER MINES. 



232 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




RUINS OF THE ABEL YALE (IST AND 2d) PLACE. (nO. 9.) 



been the parents of fourteen children, including four pairs of twins. 
They now have six in life and health. When sixteen years of age, Frank, 
the oldest, enlisted for five years in the U. S. Navy, 1899-1905. With 
the Receiving Ship Vermont, he visited six European countries: France, 
Germany, England, Scotland, Spain and Portugal, with Canary Islands 
and the Danish West Indies. [His photograph in uniform is given.] 
Since returning he finds employment with the Stanley Rule & Level 
Co. of New Britain, at their works in the Bartholomew Factory at Edge- 
wood. Other children of the family are Hulda, Edwin, Raymond, 
and the twins, Florence and Fanny. 

On rising ground westerly from the last named place it was pos- 
sible to obtain a view of the nondescript village of Skibbereen as seen 
in the distant field northwest. With its row of low white cottages fol- 
lowing the lane at the eastern base of Zach's Mountain, it formed a rather 
picturesque sight. There in the copper mining days lived the Sullivans, 
Cunninghams, Collins, Fitzgeralds and others. It was named from 
the southern port Skibbereen of County Cork, Ireland, which was probably 
the last town in the loved home covmtry on which their eyes rested. 
There is nothing remaining of this place with the exception of open 
cellars. 

Skibbereen was across the town line in Burlington. The men were 
all laborers at the copper mines. The children, too, were educated 
at the school in No. 7, when there was room for them. Sometimes they 
were obliged to go the long distance to Whigville. One who sometimes 
was at school in the latter place was a fine scholar and later a Yale grad- 
uate, but not long lived — Cornelius Sullivan. 

Outside Skibbereen bars or entrance, the Mines Road turns to the 
south for a short distance. At the north bend, facing the east, the last 
of the three large houses (No. 4), built by James Hadsell or his son, 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



233 



James Hadsell, Jr., stood for many years. Chloe, wife of James Hadsell, 
Jr., was in the Church 1799. She died 1850, aged 83. After the Had- 
sell's an Englishman, whose name George Retfearn, was changed to 
Redfield, occupied it for a while. He married the widow of George 
Byington, son of Joseph, Jr. Still later Bryan Fitzsimmons lived there 
and inay have bought it, as it is thought he took it away when he moved 
to Bristol Center. 

His sons, Martin and James, were in the employ of G. W. & H. S. 
Bartholomew in the hardware factory some years, even after the family 
left this part of the town. Other children were Lawrence, Julia and 
Ann, five in all. It seems possible to have been either James Hadsell, Sr., 
or Jr., who was School Committee in 1798. 

Around the southbend of Mines Road, as it turns to the west, was 
the double tenement house (No. 5), of the Mining Co., on the south side 
of the street. In it lived Wm. McCafie, whose son, Thomas, is now in 
Forestville (Thomas McKaine), and a French family named Green, now 
living in Bristol Center and Plainville. Northwest of the last named 
house, on the north side of Mines Road was "The Bristol Copper Mine." 
For many years after the "Mine" was in operation or worked, the ancient 
Culver house stood on its grounds near the street, surrounded by huge 
piles of waste material (tailings). Sometimes its windows revealed to 
outsiders a row of extra fine specimens of copper and quartz crystals, 




(1) No. 3, Mines Road, John Peterson O, The Michael Critchley 
Place; (2) No. 2, Mines Road, L. S. Norton. O, The Hiram Norton Place; 
(3) No. 1, residence of L. S. Norton O, Site of the David Leivis and Joel 
Norton Places; (4) No. 23, Stafford Ave., (unoccupied) The Theophilus 
Botsford Place; (5) No. 21, Stevens St., Wm. H. Lugg O, The Philo 
Stevens Place; (6) No. 22, Cor. Stafford Ave. and Stevens St., Mrs. R. 
W. Fox O, The Samuel Botsford Place; (7) No. 24, Stevens St., Fred 
Carnell O, The Henry Smith Place; (8) No. 40, Mix St., J. B. Sanford O, 
The John London Place; (9) No. 39, Mix St., Mandus Carlson, The John 
London Place. 



234 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




POOL AT COPPER MINE SITE. 



with some silver. These were produced for the encouragement of those 
financially interested in the property. They were alluring to collectors 
and geologists. Ephraim Culver, who early owned the house (No. 6), 
married Rhoda, daughter of Abel Yale, St., or second. Children of 
Ephraim and Rhoda (Yale) Culver: 

Winslow (1), died 1830, age 23. Was church member 1824. 

Aretus (2), whose descendants lived in Forestville, married, sec- 
ond, Jane Griswold, now living in Terryville. He was in the Civil War 
and one of those depvited to accompany the remains of Capt. Newton 
Manross to Bristol, after the battle of Bull Run. Died in Bristol, Feb. 
9, 1865. 

Abel Yale (3), who married Chloe Curtis, daughter of Salmon and 
died in Whigville 1878, age 63. His children, Rhoda and twins, Mary 
(Mrs. Wm. Fenn) and Martha (Mrs. John Talmadge), residents of Plain- 
ville, Conn. 

Alice (4), who married Daniel Clark, son of Stephen, 1847. She 
died 1875, Mrs. Rhoda (Yale) Culver, died 1829, age 46. 

Ephraim Goodenough next lived in the Culver house. He was 
the oldest of thirteen children of Levi of Peacham, Vt. He niaried 
Martha Ladd, 1818, of Peacham, who died at Burlington, Conn., 1838. 
Ephraim Goodenough died in Bristol Center, 1873. He was in younger 
days a carpenter and wheelwright. Children (1), Lester, born at Bur- 
lington 1820. Died at Bristol Center 1898; Viola E. (2) [Mrs. Renslaer 
Raynsford], who died at West Hartford, Conn., 1876. 

Orlando (3), b. 1824. Died at Burlington. 1844. 

Rodney (4), b. 1827. A sea captain; went to California 1849. 
Died in Oregon, 1880. 

Waldo (5), b. 1832, in Bristol. Is a printer in Leavenworth, Kan. 

The last known family to occupy the small brown house was the 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 235 

Woolworth, of whom older members were Philemon and Chester, then 
Azariah, Harvey, Leman, Philander P., who married about 1850, Sarah 
Candace, fourth child of David Norton (both dec.). He was in the 
Church 1840; Robert in- Church 1843, and Franklin, Church 1844, now 
living in Thomaston. 

A house (No. 7), was built in 1850 on the western part of the Mine 
grounds for Superintendents. It was known as the "Mine House." It 
was pleasantly shaded by locust trees and shrubs. H. H. Sheldon, said to 
be a relative of Dr. Nott of Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., the chief, 
if not only owner of the mines at that time, was the first occupant of 
the "Mine House." Laura P., wife of Mr. Sheldon, brought from Troy, 
N. Y., her letter of recommendation to Bristol Church, April, 1851. The 
children of Mr. Sheldon were two sons in school boy days and a very 
young daughter. Daily when schools were in session, the family ocn- 
veyance. with pair of black horses driven by Patrick lago, transported 
Dexter Sheldon and his brother to and from the Whigville school, while 
the youthful lagos increased the attendance in No. 7. A store (No. 8), 
was added to the mining property on the north corner of Mines Road and 
Jerome Avenue, with Henry Roberts, son of Nelson of Burlington, 
installed as salesman at one time. The farmers of the vicinity found 
here a good market for farm and dairy produce and the miners a handy 
resort for the necessaries of life. 

In 1848, Michael Hynds and his family came by stage to Bristol. 
They took up their abode in the Ambrose Hart "Old Mansion" house, 
in the Whigville district. He was a teamster at the mines. 

The first house in the district south of the Burlington town line on 
Jerome avenue, was the old Abel Yale place (No. 9), on the west side 
of the way. Abel Yale, the builder, being sixth generation of the line 
of Yales from David and Ann Yale, in Wales, England; said to be pro- 
genitors of all the Yale families of this country. The name was originally 
spelled Yall, or Yell. Ann Yale, becoming a widow, married Theophilus 
Eaton afterward Governor of New Haven Colony (1638). They arrived 
at Boston, 1637, on board the ship Hector, accompanied by many emi- 
grants, including the three children of Ann (Yale) Eaton: David (1); 
Ann (2), (wife of Gov. Hopkins, founder of the Hopkins Grammar School, 
New Haven, Conn.); and Thomas (3). David Yale, first child, settled 
in or near Boston, where his son, Elihu was born 1649. This family 
returned to Europe, 1652, and did not again visit America. Elihu, 
becoming wealthy in India*, sent a timely gift to the Collegiate School of 
Connecticut, which in time bestowed the name "Yale College" upon the 
school, in memory and appreciation of the service. The Charter of 
1745 formally gave the name to the institution. (2 G.) Thomas Yale, 
second son of Ann, and uncle of Elihu, was one of the settlers of Noi'th 
Haven in 1660. He married Mary Turner, daughter of Nathaniel, 
famous in the Pequot wars. Capt. Nathaniel Turner's sword is pre- 
served in the Hartford Atheneum. He was lost at sea in the ship of 
which the poet Longfellow wrote in "The Phantom Ship." 

(3 G.) Capt. Thomas Yale, settler of Wallingford, 1070. (4 G.) 
Nathaniel Yale. (5 G.) Abel Yale, lived in the east part of Wallingford, 
now Meriden. (6 G.) Abel Yale, second or Junior, of Meriden, after- 
ward of Bristol school' district No. 7; b. 1733, married Sarah Jerome. 
Thev were admitted to the Church in Bristol, 1759. He died July 4, 
1797, aged 64. Sarah, his wife, died 1816, aged 78. Children of Abel 
Yale second and Sarah (Jerome) Yale niimbered twelve as follows: 

Esther (1), b. 1760, married Oliver Phenton. 

Thomas (2), .1761, married first Polly Beckwith, second Anna 
Northam. 

Sarah (3), 1763, married Richard Russell. 

Lydia (4), 1765, married Nathaniel Warner. 

Anne (5), 1767, married Calvin Hart. 

Lois (6), 1769, married Daniel Peck, and died 1812. 

Ruth (7), 1771. Died 1791. 

*See'lIlustration. Page 240 



236 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Elizabeth (8), 1773, married Levi Boardman. 

Abel (9), 1775. 

Rhoda (10), 1778. Died 1781. 

Mary (11), 1780, married Dudley Williams. 

Rhoda (12), 1782, married Ephraim Culver and died 1829. 

Abel Yale, 3d (7 G.), son of the preceding Abel Yale, 2d, born 1775, 
married first Lydia Barnes, daughter of Josiah, who died 1821, age 41. 
Their children were Julius, Henry, Flora, Elmore, Lydia and Sarah A. 

Abel Yale, 3d, married second his cousin, Lorena (Jerome) Brown, 
widow of Abner. She had one son, Orrin Brown, of Forestville. Abel 
and Lorena (Brown) Yale's children were four daughters, Lorena, Fidelia, 
Mary Jane, Selina. 

Abel Yale died 1847, age 73. Lorena, his wife, died 1869, age 73. 
Julius Yale (8 G.), oldest child of his father, Abel Yale, 3d, inherited 
the farm and spent there his life as a farmer as his father and grand- 
father had done. He was admitted to the church, 1844. He married 
late in life Lucinda North, who brought her letter from Farmington 
Church to Bristol, 1854. She died 1861, aged 44. Mr. Yale married 
second Pamelia (Barnes) Norton, widow of Franklin and daughter of 
Joel Barnes. Julius Yale died 1879, age 72. He left no family. Shortly 
afterward the house having temporary occupants, the odor of smoke 
was noticed, by those passing, for a day or two. It proved to pro- 
ceed from smouldering timbers used in the construction of the old 
stone chimney. When the concealed fire broke forth the old brown 
house Avas very soon a thing of the past. The copper mine was opened 
on Abel Yale's land. 

Lydia Yale (1), daughter of Abel Yale, 3d, and sister to Julius 
Yale, married John C. Root. Resided for a time in Harwinton, Conn. 
Returned to Bristol and the church, 1824. They had one or two children . 

Sarah Ann Yale (2), married William Wilcox. Residence, Collins- 
ville. He had grinder's consumption. She was in the church, 1838, 




THE "home by. the brookside," The Wilson Sheldon Place, (no. 30) 

H. I. MUZZY O. 



"or new CAMBRIDGE." 237 

and returned to it from Collinsville, 1849. She died 1869, aged 52. 
Children of Wm. and Sarah A. (Yale) Wilcox were Ellen E. (1), [Mrs. 
Clarence Muzzy]; Franklin (2), who was a member of the 16th Regi- 
ment, Conn. Vol., and died in Washington, D. C, Nov. 9, 1862, interred 
in Bristol; Charles (3) lived with his uncle, Julius Yale, after his father's 
death. He joined the U. S. Regular Army in 1864 or '5 and was sent 
to the frontier. He returned after an absence of nearly fifteen years, 
when thought by his friends to be dead. Entered the army again, but 
left it in July of the year many sought gold at Black Hills, where he 
was supposed to have gone. His name, Charles Wilcox, was printed 
in a list of the "killed by Indians" at or near the Black Hills. His hfe 
and fortune continue an tmcertainty to relatives. Lucelia (4), married 
Frank Colvin of Bristol. 

Lorena Yale (3) married Burritt E. Barker, of Whigville. Her 
children were Anna E., [Mrs. Chas. Morris], (1); Marian (2), deceased, 
and Arthur (3). Mrs. Lorena (Yale) Barker died at the home of her 
daughter, 1903. 

FideHa (4), married Wm. Wadsworth of Hartford and died childless. 

Mary Jane (5), married Don Evaristo Peck, 1846, and died 1897. 

Selina (6), married Mr. Warner of New York State (deceased). 
She left a family. The children of D. E. and Mary J. (Yale) Peck were 
Don Cervantes (1); Burdette Abel (2); Mary Emma (3) [Mrs. F. L.- 
Gaylord of Ansonia] and Ludella L. Peck (4), professor and A. M. of 
Smith College, Northampton, Mass., 25 years, who visited in 1903, the 
ancient seat of the Yales in Wrexam, Wales, England. 

Thomas Yale, son of Abel Yale, 2d, b. 1761, lived in a house (No. 10) 
adjoining the home lot of his father on the south. He married 1788, 
Polly Beckwith, who died 1795. Her children were Gad (1), b. 1791, 
and Pollv (2), b. 1793, married Mark Perkins, 1811, lived in Oneonta, 
New York State. Mrs Polly Yale died 1795. Thomas Yale married 
second Anna Northam, 1796. Her children were Harriet (3), b. Sept., 
1797, who married John Bacon. He died 1838, age 43. Roxana (4), b. 
1799, married Adna Hart and lived at the Thomas Yale house.^ Gad, 
son of Thomas, married Hannah Barnes, 1817, of Josiah. Went to 
Kirtland, Ohio. Was converted to Joseph Smith. Sold a farm and 
gave $1,000 towards the erection of the Mormon Temple, 1836, at Kirt- 
land, Ohio. 

Thomas Yale died February 18, 1814. 

Roxanna, daughter of Thomas Yale, married Feb. 23, 1821, Adna 
son of Ambrose of Simeon of Dea. Thomas Hart of Southington, Conn., 
son of Deacon Stephen Hart, settler, born at Braintree, Essex Co., 
England. Four children: William Hart (1), b. 1823, married, 1849, 
Emmeline Thayer of Mass., died at Foxboro, Mass., 1886, leaving a son, 
William T. Hart^ b. 1850, married 1877, Ella Hatch of Hyde Park, 
Mass., difed Feb., 1888, leaving two children, WiUiam S. Hart, b. 1878 
and Mary D. Hart, b. 1885. Caroline Hart (2), b. 1824, married 1843, 
Edward Graham, died 1866. Edward Graham died 1886 aged 62. 
Five children: George A. (1), b. 1845 at Wallingford, Conn., died at 
Andersonville, Ga., 1864, age 19; Edward (2), b. 1848, died in Bristol, 
1872, aged 24; Ceha Caroline (3), b. 1850, married Nov., 1879, William 
D. Bromlev of Bristol; Ida Juha (4), b. 1854, married Henry C. Butler 
of Bristol, Oct., 1876; William H. Graham (5), b. Dec, 1865, in Bristol 
Center, married first Florence Fenn. The Graham children were born 
in Edgewood with the exception of oldest and youngest. 

John Gad Hart (3), third child of Adna and Roxanna (Yale) Hart, 
b. 1828, married, 1848, Abigal Benham of Burlington. She died in 
Lawrence, Kansas, 1894, aged 64. John G. Hart killed Feb. 24, 1868, 
at Black Rock crossing. New Britain, Conn., leaving one daughter, 
Helen M. Hart, b. May, 1850, married first William H. Carey, 1867, in 
New Britain, Conn. Two children: Henry W. Carey (1), b. 1870, died 
1874; George Benham Carey (2), b. 1878, married, June 27, 1900, 



238 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



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OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 239 

Charlotte Wells of New Britain. Mrs Carey married second, March 1902, 
John Hooker Hart of Farmington Conn., son of Dea. Simeon Hart, the 
time-honored instructor of boys at Farmington, Conn. John Hooker 
Hart was second cousin of John Gad Hart, b. 1828. 

Fourth child, Thomas Hart, b. May 7, 1832, married 1855, Mary 
Elizabeth Dix of Wethersfield, Conn. He died of consumption, Oct. 
30, 1862, in Meriden, Conn. He left a daughter, Cora A. Hart, born m 
Meriden, Dec. 26, 1859. 

Erastus Bacon lived at this place after the Harts for a time and 
had a small store near. The house is now gone. 

The next house south at about half the distance to the schoolhouse 
No. 2, of the district^on the west was called the old Bacon house (No. 11). 
It had been empty since mining days, but before was the home of John 
Bacon, who married Harriet Yale, born 1797, daughter to Thomas and 
Anna (Northam) Yale. John and Harriet (Yale) Bacon were taken 
into the church, 1821. Mr. Bacon died 1838, age 43. Their sons are 
said to have been John and Erastus Bacon, both well-known in the 
town. The latter married Adeline Sessions, daughter of Calvin of Bur- 
lington and sister of the late John Humphrey Sessions of Bristol. He 
was in the Civil War; his fate unknown. 

It was in this house that the first Roman Catholic masses in Bristol 
were held regularly. Father Daley coming monthly from St. Patrick's 
Church, Hartford, for the purpose, 1850. At first he caused crosses 
to be placed on fences near the hovise which made so much disturbance 
in the district it was deemed prudent to discontinue the practice. It 
is understood the meetings were with Mr. Riley, at the Bacon house, 
though there were occasional ineetings before m. the "mill" and school- 
house. Afterwards Mrs. Shane had a home there and asserted herself 
as "the man of the house." 

The second schoolhouse of No. 7 stands deserted south of the Bacon 
house (No. 12) site. The school which in the fifties had a daily average 
attendance of between 30 and 40 pupils with an occasional term still 
higher, became so small the town thought it wise to transport the re- 
maining few to Edgewood. The school had been benefitted by excellent 
and well-known teachers of whom the names of a few are mentioned. 
Sarah Maria Rice, daughter of Jeremiah; Harriet Moses, daughter ^ of 
Richard; Julia A. Barnes, daughter of Jeremiah; Sarah Foote, of Ira; 
Ursula M. Hart, of John; Celia B. Norton, of Ammi; Ellen E. Wilcox, 
of Wm.; Marietta Carpenter, of Wm.; Annie J. Brown, P. Frank Perry, 
J. Fayette Douglass, Hiram C. Cook, Lizzie Welch, of Constandt; Eliza- 
beth Ives, of Deacon Charles G., besides several young teachers of the 
di.strict or near; Adellah Yale, Helen Norton, Laura Curtiss, Eugenia 
Warner and others. 

There were many families who sent children to this school before 
and after 1850, whose records and homes are not easily found. The 
school registers of the period afford the names of the children and serve 
to recall to mind some of the parents who left the place soon after the 
mine was abandoned. Capt. Wm. Williams' children were Elizabeth (1), 
John (2), Thomas (3), George (4), Ann (5), Johnson (6). 

William Casey's were Michael (1), Sarah (2), Mary Ellen (3). They 
removed to Bristol Center. Marvin Young's children were Porter (1), 
who has been in Bristol and perhaps the others, who were Lydia (2), 
Edwin (3), Caroline (4). 

L. Jones' daughter, 16 years of age, was in the school 1861, also 
her sister Elisabeth, 12 years, Wm. 8 years and George 6. The chil- 
dren of H. Roper were Hugh (1), Julia (2), Catherine (3), Ellen (4) and 
Ann (5). The Quids' children were James (1), Samuel (2), Fanny (3), 
Richard (4), Children of Wm. Ward, 1852, were Thomas, 12, Jane, 
Elizabeth, John, Wm., Joseph and Maria. James Devine, whose home 
was in the old schoolhouse, sent to this the new one, Margaret, Mary 
Ann, Patrick. The Prtied children were Nicholas, John and Jane. 



240 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Patrick lago's own children and Mrs. J. lago's were Margaret (1), Ann 
(2), Thomas (3): Lawrence (1) and Jane (2). Family names of some 
who furnished their quota for the school are Trewhella, Eustice, Gregor, 
McCall, Roach, Robinson, Donnovan, Gillern, Moren, Sullivan, Stone, 
Bolace, etc., etc. 

Across the street from the schoolhouse stood the home of Joel Hart 
(No. 13), built for him by his father. Joel Hart, son of Calvin and 
Anne (Yale) Hart, married Sarah Bowers. Their six children were 
Lucy (Mrs. Elmore Yale), Sabina, Calvin, Cyprian and Almon. In 1838 
he moved for five years to New Britain, when he returned to his old 
home where he died in 1844. 

The son Calvin died at his grandfather's house (Calvin Hart, Sr.), 
in the south of Burlington where his son Louis now lives. His wife, 
Ellen, died the winter of 1906-7, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. 
Hiram Lowrey, leaving three children, William, who naarried Fanny 
Warner, Delia and Louis. 

Cyprian Hart was the survivor of his father Joel's family. When 
young he was employed in the factory of Don E. Peck in Whigville, and 
others including the Corbin Manufacturing Company of New Britain 
before purchasing a farm in Wethersfield where he settled for life. He 
married in 1852, Eliza Perdue. Two sons are living as merchants in 
the town, C. C. Hart of the firm "Hart, Wells & Co.," wholesale seeds- 
men and Arthur. He was respected in the town and served eighteen 
years as selectman though not continuously. The Democrats sent hiin 
to]Legislature in 1863. He was a member of the Wethersfield Grange. 
His death occurred since 1900. 

In 1850 the Joel Hart house was well filled when the Willia.ms 
brothers, sons and cousins came to take positions in the mining business. 
Captain Richard Williams and William Williams with his many school 
boys and girls, also two relatives of the name, lay preachers, who held 
Methodist services in several places. 

Later Marvin Young lived there. His son. Porter Young, until 
recently a resident of Bristol has been an authority on matters concerning 
the "Bristol Copper Mine." 

In 1872, Perlev Buck, who married Ella Hart (deceased), elder 



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OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 241 

daughter of Calvin, Jr., resided at this place when engaged in the meat 
business with Sj^lvester Hart. Clarence Muzzy also lived there a while 
in his early niarried life. The house was long in disuse and is gone. 

James Hadsell (Jeems Hedsel) (No. 14) built in the olden time a 
large house where now stands the two story white house of Henry I. 
Muzzy, south from the schoolhouse and well known as the Lyman Mix 
place. The church record of James Hadsell's wife, Huldah, serves to 
define the period in which he was a resident of the district No. 7. She 
was admitted to the church September, 1778. She died in 1827, aged 
83 years. Mr. Hadsell was a cooper and had a shop for his work in the 
rear of his house He built at some time the cooper's shop south of the 
garden of the place (No. 15). It was standing on the bank, the narrow 
front near the street, until within a few years. Erastus Bacon had at 
one time a store in the building. 

Mr. Henry I. Muzzy, now 83 years of age (1907), in reminiscence 
speaks of the sale of No. 14 to Mr. Bosworth, who in time and turn 
sold it to Lyman Mix. Mr. Muzzy was six years of age (possibly eight) 
when Lyman Mix drew off the Hadsell house and built the present two- 
story house. It was the year after the present Congregational Church 
was built. Lyman and Mary (Gaylord) Mix lived in this house imtil 
the death of Mr. Mix in 1872, aged 79. They had no children but adopted 
Rhoda Ann Wilmot daughter of Lucius H , who married an Osborne. 
Mrs. Mary Mix then purchased the old Episcopal parsonage, now on the 
north corner of Summer and Maple streets, Bristol, in which she lived 
till her death in 1855, age 85. 

Mrs. Mary Mix invited the wife of her nephew (Dea. Charles Norton, 
dec), Mrs. Martha S. Norton, to reside with her at Bristol Center, which 
she did, and remained at that place the remainder of her life. She 
died 1895, age 75. 

Mr. Henry I. Muzzy lived at the Lyman Mix house after the death 
of Mr. Mix, until he sold it to the Mining Co., when he built his present 
home nearer Edgewood. Eventually he took back the house, which 
is the home of his farmer. Southward at the saw mill (No. 16) of H. I. 
Muzzy, a road not named, goes westward to Round Hill Road, in No. 8 
district. 

At a house (No. 19) near the western limit of No. 7, which Ira Hotcli- 
kiss, son of Elisha, built, and is remembered as a "pest house," Asa 
Bartholomew and twelve others are known to have been secluded, under 
care of a physician, to pass the ordeal of varioloid, according to custom. 
Calvin Wooding afterward lived in the house. He was somewhat noted 
as a "horse jockey." His skill enabled him to so metamorphose a horse that 
the honest man of whom it was purchased without a suspicion of having 
seen the animal before, would buy it back, allowing an addition of $50 
or more to his previous selling price. Mr. Wooding moved to Hartford. 
George Byington, son of Joseph, Jr., then made this place his home. 
His children were Jane (m. DeWitt Winston), Margaret and James. 
The widow of George Byington, m. 2d Mr. Redfield. 

The next house (No. 18) was owned by Martin Hart, son of Ambrose, 
and brother of Adna, b. June 10, 1783, died 1860, age 77. Sally Rowe, 
his wife, b. 1782, died 1853, aged 71. Their children were Richard Lem- 
uel (1), b. 1800, d. 1809; Edward Ambrose (2), b. 1812; Julia Philena 
(3), b. 1809; Maria (4) 1855. Later they moved to the Mix house on 
Jerome Avenue, and always referred to the former home as "the old 
place." While there are no dwellings on this old road, and little or no 
travel, it is usable. On the hill near the west part of the saw mill a low 
building (No. 17), had plenty of residents at one time, Shanes, Wards, 
etc. Thomas Devine lived there alone the last of any one. He was 
drowned in the trench of the Stockinet Factory in Bristol. 

Ascending a hill southward from the mill, we are at the second 
house built by James Hadsell (No. 20), on the north corner of Stevens 
St. and Jerome Ave. The Stevens family from Clieshire were living 



242 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



here before 1815, when EHsha and wife, Fanny (Brainard) Stevens, 
joined the church. He died 1847, aged 68. His sons. Deacons John, 
Edward and Harvey became fine and wealthy men of Cromwell, Conn. 
They were manufacturers of Britania Ware. They took pleasure in 
reviving old memories of home by visits to Bristol and friends. Mr. 
Stevens of Cromwell attended the 150th anniversary exercises of the 
Congregational Church, Bristol, October 12, 1894. About that time 
he presented to the church of his youth a handsome pulpit Bible. 
The next permanent resident was Isaac Muzzy, born in Spencer, Mass., 
1803. The first of the family in Connecticut. He married, 1823, Hannah 
Minerva Mix, daughter of Ashbel. Children, Henry Isaac (Ij, 1824; 
Chloe Jane (2), 1825 (married Hiram Spellman); Hannah Minerva (3), 
1828 (married Josiah Pierce); Franklin (4), 1832, died 1855; Lyman 
(5), 1836, died 1861; Wilham Wallace (6), 1846 (married Anna Lee, 
1872), child, Edward Winfield, who served in the Spanish War. 

The son, Henry Isaac, also resided in this 2d James Hadsell house 
until the death of Lyman Mix, when he moved to the Lyman Mix house. 
John Peterson, previous to the purchase of his present home, succeeded 
Henry I. Muzzy in the place, where some of his children were born. 
Transient dwellers there have been since, in the old house, yet standing 
unfit for occupancy. 

We now follow to the eastern-most house on the north side of Stev- 
ens St., nearly to Farmington line. A house had been for some years on 



JEROME AVE. 




(10) No. 57, John Muir O, The Ephraim McEwcn Place; (11) No 
59, M. J. Ford O; (12) No. 30, "The House by the Brookside," H. I 
Muzzy O, The Wilson Sheldon Place; (13) No. 28, Frank Yale 0,The 
Joseph Byington Place; (14) No. 26, H. I. Muzzy O, The Ashbel Mix 
Place; (15) No. 14, Axel Anderson R, The James Hadsell, Sr., Place, 
(16) No. 47, Seymour Reed R, The Lauren Byington Place; (17) Victor 
Avery O, (18) Amelia Kohl O. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 243 

the site of the present vine-clad stone house, thought to have been sold 
by a Mr. Cowles to Asahel Mix. It was occupied at one time by the 
Gladdens, who have descendants living in New Britain. Later school 
registers show the attendance of the children of Leverette Barnes, son 
of Elijah of Wise. Verona (1), Polly (2), Mary P. (3), and Martin 
Barnes (4). The latter was often a member of Julius Yale's family 
and liked in Peaceable St., where he sometimes lived. 

The place was sold by Asahel Mix to Henry Smith, who with his 
wife came in the prime of life from England. They were both born, 1812. 
Their children were William (1), Susan (2), Emm'a (3), Annie (4), Ellen 
(5) (who died in childhood), Deborah (6), and Irna (7). They lived in 
the old house till 1862, when Mr. Smith built the present stone house 
(No. 24). These parents, anxious chiefly for the welfare of their children, 
taught them to choose good companions and to be true and faithful 
always. They drove with them on the Sabbath five miles to their church 
in Farmingtoii, where they attended the Episcopal, or Church of England. 
The ministers of this denomination from Famiington and Bristol were 
welcome and familiar guests at the farm. Doubtless in the isolation 
of the home thev had a strong influence for good upon the children of 
the household. "The inspiration for life, of the son William may, how- 
ever, have come from an unexpected event, when one day a fine looking 
old gentleman was brought to the house from Famiington Station by 
some one who could take him no farther. He wished to go to the Copper 
Mines where he was interested. It was Rev. Dr. Eliphalet Nott, Presi- 
dent of Union College, Schenectady, N. Y. Mr. Smith was away with 
the family conveyance. Mrs. Smith, after giving the gentleman a cup 
of tea was (aided by her son) equal to the emergency. A farm wagon 
was cleared. A rug or piece of carpet spread, and lastly an arm chair 
placed in the wagon. Thus comfortably, Dr. Nott was taken by William 
Smith to view his mining possessions in Bristol. 

During the drive Dr. Nott ascertained the wish of the young man 
for an education. He advised him to read, study, and prepare for college, 
and then come to him. These instructions were faithfully carried out. 
He first attended E. L. Hart's school in Famiington, and finished in 
Wilbraham. Dr. Nott then gave him his four years' tuition at Union 
College, and as long as William Smith lived was his firm and staunch 
friend. Dr. Nott often spoke of the beautiful hospitality and refine- 
ment he found in the quiet, m.odest home. 

After Mr. Smith was 80 years old his daughter and her son found 
him one day in need of medicine. The son, then a medical student, 
now Dr. H.'^C. Spring of Bristol, fortunately had remedies which were 
given him. Mr. Smith expressed his pleasure, that the first medicine 
given him by a doctor was after he was 80 years of age, and also that 
it was administered by his own grandson. Mrs. Smith died 1881, age 
69. Wilham, oldest child, carried out his desire to become a minister 
of the Gospel, but died at the age of 42. He located in Pennsylvania. 
Mr. Henry Smith married second, Mrs. Carnell, mother of Frederick 
Carnell, the present owner of the farm. She survived him a few years. 
Mr. Henry Smith died 1896, aged 84. They are interred in the "Scott's 
Sivanip Cenieterv." 

Frederick W. and Eliza Carnell came to the stone house in June, 
1897, from New Haven. When the estate of the late Henry Smith 
was settled in the winter of that year, they purchased the interests of 
the heirs. Their children were May E. (1), Frederick J. (2), Arthur 
D. (3) and Robert S. (4), educated in New Haven, with the exception of 
Robert S., who was graduated from Bristol High School, 1904. Fred- 
erick James was graduated from Sheffield Scientific School of Yale 
University, 1900. He was a high stand student throughout his course, 
taking one half the prize for general excellence. Honorable in Physics, 
German, Chemistry, Mathematics (for which he had prize) and Mechan- 
ical Drawing, also general honors in Electrical Engineering. He was a 
member of Sigma Xi, a high stand society. Immediately after grad- 
uation he received the appointment as assistant in Physics in the labora- 



244 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



tory of the Scientific School, and there continued his work and studies 
until his death at the New Haven Hospital, Nov. 15, 1902. Frederick 
James Carnell died as the result of a casuality, Saturday afternoon, Nov. 
1 ."), 1002. Accompanied by a friend and classmate, he went to Umbrella 
Island, near Short Beach, for an afternoon of duck shooting. In lifting 
his gun from the boat its accidental discharge shattered the arm at the 
elbow. More than an hour passed before a doctor could be reached, 
who decided that amputation was necessary. It was accordingly per- 
formed at the Hospital, but through shock, following loss of blood, he 
died a few hours afterward. He was 22 years of age. Arthur David 
married, June 20, 1906, Jennie M., daughter of the late Edward F. and 
Martha (Ttitile) Gaylord. 

Returning to the four corners of Stevens St. and Stafford Ave. 
intersection, we go northward to the one house (No. 23) between the 
Joel Norton, Jr., house and the corners, where Theophilus Botsford, 
born 1758, resided. He married Dolly Bidwell of Middletown, Conn., 
born 1758, died 1828. He married 2d, Widow Whitmore, sister of Dolly. 
She had a daughter Elizabeth Whitmore. Theophilus Botsford died 
1841, aged 83 vears. He had six children: Daniel (1), born 1782; Sam- 
uel (2), born 1783; Dolly B. Norton (3), bom 1786; Irene B.Atkins (4), 
born 1788; George Arthur (5), born 1790; Annis Botsford Winston (6), 
born 1792. He was one of the first who thought copper could be found 
in the vicinity by inining, and made some experiments to prove his 
belief. Some of the mining masters were domiciled here, and later the 
Gomine (Gum) family. The house is owned by John Peterson, but not 
inhabited. 

At the southwest corner below, (No. 22), Samuel, second son of 
Theophilus, b. 1783, resided for a generation. He was a blacksmith. 
He married Betsy Clark of Meriden, b. 1782, died 1859, age 77. Samuel 
Botsford died 1862, aged 79. Their six children were as follows: Nancv 
(1) (m. Elias W. Perkins): Harriet (2) (m. Philo Stevens); Patrick (3), 
died in New York aged 61, unmarried; Hiram (4), b. 1813, d. 1875 aged 




THE SECOND JAMES HADSELL 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 245 

62, m. Jan. 16, 1839, Elizabeth Wetmore, daughter of his grandfather's 
2d wife. She died Nov. 27, 1839, leaving an infant daughter, which his 
mother brought up. (Ehzabeth, b. Nov. 27, 1839, m. Edwin Bristol 
of Cheshire. She died leaving several children, Edwin, Mary, etc.). 
Betsy (5), b. 1815, d. 1832 a. 17; Lorenzo (6), 1819, d. 1870, a. 51, 
m. Hannah Norton, 1842. She. born 1820, died 1853, leaving two chil- 
dren, James (1), b. 1845, d. 1SS9, m. Frances Barrows. Three children: 
Fanny A. (1), m. Albert Homewood; Hattie (2), m. Edwin Mitchell; 
Alice'(3), m. James Connery. Burdette Botsford (2), brother of James, 
b. 1846, d. 1853, aged 7 years. 

Harriet Botsford who married Philo Stevens, 1827, lived on the 
north side of Stevens St., near her father, Samuel Botsford. (A large 
house was built by the Lawsons on the site of the Philo Steven's house) 
(No. 21). The children of Philo and Harriet (Botsford) Stevens were 
eleven in number, Nancy (1); David (2); Franklin (3); Mary Ann (4); 
Harriet F. (5); Philo (6); Egligene (7); Josephene (8); Betsey M. (9); 
DeWitt Clinton (10); Charles (11). Philo Stevens, b. 1804, d. 1880, 
aged 76. Harriet his wife b. 1809, d. 1891, aged 82. Eliza (Gomnie) 
Fox, widow of Simeon, now resides with her son, Thomas, a famier, 
at the Samuel Botsford house. Her daughter, who married Wm. Lugg, 
resides on the site of the old Philo Stevens' house. He has been engineer 
at H., C. Thompsons' Clock Co. He has an oversight oi the Mining Co's. 
property. They have four children, the oldest Herbert. 

Having completed the tour of Stevens St., and going south on Jerome 
Ave., we come to the first and only schoolhouse (No. 25) of the district 
for nearly the first half of the century. It was situated on the east side 
of Jerome Ave., south of the house of Elisha Stevens. William Jerome 
4th recalls his school days there, when he was taught by Enoch Marks 
of Burlington, a son of Lieut. David Marks, who became wealthy in New 
York State as inspector of salt at the extensive Syracuse Salt Works. 
William Elton, too, of Burlington, was his teacher. He practiced medi- 
cine in Burlington, where he lived with his wife and daughter. The 
former, Ameha Pettibone, of Choral; tmtil some ten years ago the three, 
father, mother and daughter, in one week fell victims of pneumonia. 
A young son, Willard, was not at home. He is supposed to be living in 
Springfield, Mass. 

Julia P. Hart, daughter of Martin, another teacher in the old school 
house, became second wife of Lauren Byington, son of Martin. They 
lived in Edgew^ood and died childless. She was called "Miss JuHa" to 
her dying day, as known while teaching in her home district. 

WilHam Jerome 3d, father of William Jerome of today, attended 
at this school when Noah Byington was the instructor. The "scholars" 
sometimes tried his patience by not coming in promptly when the sum- 
mons was heard. A loud rapping with a stick or ruler on the side of 
the door or house was the call to resume study of "reading, 'riting and 
'rithmetic" in those days. Mr. Byington provided himself with a long 
whip for the treatment of his delinquent pupils. He gave each one who 
passed him entering the door a cut or lash with the whip. Young Jerome 
ran between the master's legs and escaped. About 1848 the school 
building was superseded by the new one near Mines Road. The old one 
"while staying after school" was purchased by a miner, James Devine, 
who had several children, attendants at the second, or new schoolhouse, 
and living in the old one. At last Luther S. Norton "carted it to Dublin 
Hill, Forestville." The Dcvines are now in New Britain. 

A short distance southwest, Ashbel Mix, son of Timothy, built the 
large red house (No. 26), long a familiar landmark and home, with the 
tall pine trees at its south front. Ashbel Mix, son of Timothy, b. 1760, 
d. 1807, m. Hannah Byington, daughter of Joseph Byington, b. 1773, 
and died 1836. The Ashbel Mix farm was a portion of her father's 
estate. Their children were Lyman (1), b. 1793; Nancy (2) [Mrs. Ira 
Foote of Burlington, carded the wool, spun the yam, and wove her 
wedding dress] b. 1794; Asahel (3), 1795; Noble (4); Ashbel, Jr. (5), 
1801; Minerva (6), 1805, perhaps others. 



246 



BBISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Asahel Mix resided at this place until he built elsewhere in the 
district. He married, Jan. 13, 1820, Amna Judd. Martin Hart bought 
this place when for sale, to which he removed from his "old place" on 
the cross road, before mentioned with family data. In 1860 Martin 
Hart died. Simeon and Philo Curtiss, sons of Joshua of Milford St., 
Burlington, each resided here a few years, having the care of the property. 
The house finally went in much the same manner as the old Abel Yale 
place, consumed by fire in "the heart of the house," the old stone chim- 
ney; S. Curtiss living there at the time, about 1862. Mr. Henry Isaac 
Muczy later built on the site his present dwelling house, while the bams, 
nearly opposite, belonged to the old house. The fine old pine trees 
.suffered in the fire which destroved the house, and are nearly gone. 
H. I. Muzzy, b., 182-1, still living, m., 1843, Mary Elizabeth Beach, 
daughter of Eli, of Plymouth, b., 1825, d., 1881. Their children, Clarence 
Henry (1), b., 1845, served in the Civil War, m. Ellen E. Wilcox, daughter 
of Wm., [children, Leila and Robert]; George Franklin (2), 1847, served 
in the navy in the Civil War, d., 1865, unmarried; Charles Edwin (3), 
1849, m., Frances Emma Strickland (dec); Adrian James (4), 1851, 
m., 1873, Florence Emlyn Downes, 1851, [children, Leslie Adrian (a) 
(dec); Floyd Downes (b) (dec); Adrienne (c)], author of Prize Biog- 
raphy "Katherine Gaylord, Heroine;" Frederick (5), 1853, d., 1874; 
unmarried; Alice Elizabeth (6), 1855 [married Frank Winston, children, 
Ella (a), Ernest (b)], Ella Jane (7), 1856 [married Lewis Strong, child 
Roy]; Frank Lyman (8), 1858 [married first Emily Wilcox, child, died; 
married second Augusta Frinck, child, Dorothv]. Member of the firm 
A. J. Muzzy & Co.; Mary Minerva (9), 1861-1863; Mary EHzabeth 



JEROME AVE 




(1) No. 32, F. W. Holmes O, The Mark Lewis Place; (2) No. 33, 
Wm. Jerome (4th) R, D. I. Jerome R, The Wm. Jerome (jd) Place; (3) 
No. 34, Carl Peterson R, The Simeon Curtis Place; (4) No. 35, Theo. 
Lockenwitz O, The Wm. Jerome {ist) Place; (5) No. 36, Horace O. 
Miller O; (6) No. 37, Chas. H. Downs R, The Wm. Jerome {2d) Place; 

(7) No. 38, Chas. Hotchkiss O, The Wellington Winston, Sr., Place; 

(8) No. 55, A. H. Warner O, The Charles Belden Place. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 247 

(10), 1864-1873; Arthur George (11), 1866 [married Martha Ellen 
Thomas, child, Ruth]; Harriet Beach (12), 1868. 

Southeast from H. I. Muzzy 's present home (No. 27) were the old 
homes of Noah Byington, before mentioned, with his father, Joseph 
Byington (No. 28) very near on the south. The houses were much alike, 
small, unpainted, but pleasant appearing homes with gambrel or "curb- 
roofs." Joseph Byington, b. 1736, died 1798; married first, 1757, Jemima 
Hungerford, who died 1759. He married second Hannah Spencer, 
1760. Children were: Isaac (1), b. 1761; Noah (2), b. 1762; Isaiah 
(3), 1764; Martin (4), 1767; Clarissa (5), 1770. Hannah (Spencer) 
Byington, d. 1771. He married third Hannah Warren, Feb. 20, 1772. 
Children, Hannah (6), b. 1773; Meliscent (7), b. 1775; Chloe (8), b. 
1777; Joseph, Jr., (9), 1778; Asahel (10), 1780; Enos (11), 1781; Newell 
(12), 1787. 

Hannah Warren Byington was born 1752, died 1819. Joseph 
Byington served as lieutenant in the war of the American Revolution. 
His name appears on the records from the "Lexington Alann" in 1783. 
He was Justice of the Peace, doing much town business in Bristol. 

His son Joseph lived after him in the house, and his grandson, 
Williams Byington, also lived there before Elmore Yale, son of Abel 
Yale, 3d, made it a home. He married Lucy A. Hart, daughter of Joel. 
Their children were: Adella (1), b. 1845, who lived to teach the dis- 
trict school, 1862, but died when aged about 20 years; Frances (2) Yale, 
b. 1850, was for ten or twelve years in charge of a sewing room at the 
Orphan Asylum in Hartford, where she was doing a good work at the 
time of her death from pneumonia in Dec, 1904. 

Henry Yale (3) married Anna Ford, daughter of Jerome. Resides 
at Patchoque, L. I. They have eight children. 

Franklin (4), who has a later home on the site of the old Byington 
house; married Melissa Ford, daughter of Jeroine. They have a son, 
Alfred Yale, of the Tenth (j-eneration from David and Ann Yale, of 
Wales, England, 1630. 

Opposite Noah Byington's house was the old home of Luther Tuttle 
(No. 29). The well still of use in the field, is all that has marked the 
spot, as the site of the house, for many years. 

Luther Tuttle, born 1774, was son of Ichabod Tuttle, one of the 
28 men of Goshen, Conn., who enlisted 1775 in the Company of Capt. 
John Sedgwick, grandfather of Major Gen. John Sedgwick, of Comwell 
Hollow, for Ticonderoga (captured May 10) ; married, 1772, Ehzabeth 
Matthews; removed to Wyoming; was in the battle July 3, 1778, and 
killed by the Indians while running towards the river for escape. His 
name is inscribed with 159 others, victims of that atrocity, on the monu- 
ment erected to their memory. His wife, with her three small children, 
Calvin (1), b. 1772; Luther (2), b. 1774 and Ichabod (3), 1770, escaped 
in a boat down the river, and made her way back to Conn. (Tuttle Gen.) 
She married second, 1792, Thomas Hungerford, and died aged 86. 

Luther, the second son, born 1774, married 1796, Mary Bartholo- 
mew, daughter of Jacob, and resided at this house in District No. 7, of 
Bristol. Their children were: Chauncey (1), 1797; Betsey (2), 1799, 
married Carter Newell in 1820; Lemuel (3), b. 1801, d., age 3 years; 
Mary (4), 1803, married Orrin Moses of Burlington; Celinda (5), 1805, 
married Wm. Brown; Luther Lemuel (6), 1807, married 1830, Martha 
Lowrey, daughter of Thomas. Luther and Mary (Bartholomew) Tuttle 
died the same day of spotted fever. May 3, 1808. She, aged 29 years. 
Mary and Luther Lemuel were brought up by their Aunt Rosannah 
(Bartholomew) Cowles, wife of Asabel Cowles, who had no children, 
and lived in Peaceable St., where Luther spent his days, and the late 
Edward Fenn Gaylord, who married his daughter, Martha Tuttle, also 
died in 1905. Chloe, daughter of Mary, who married Orrin Moses, be- 
came wife of Andrew S. Upson of the Upson Nut Co., Cleveland, Ohio, 
and Unionville, Conn. Another daughter is wife of Thomas Brooks of 



248 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Unionville. Other daughters reside near Boston. The sons, John, etc., 
were large land owners in Burlington. The widow of Luther Moses, 
is living in Hartford. 

On the south bank of the brook, Wilson Sheldon built his house 
(No. 30), west side of Jerome Ave., in 1854. He was one of the eleven 
children of Jerre and Katie (Lanfair) Sheldon of Pine Orchard, Branford, 
Conn. Children of Jerre and Katie (Lanfair) Sheldon: Nicholas (1), 
Truman (2), Austin (3), Asher (4), Wilson (5), Roswell (6), Betsey (7), 
Hannah (8), Safronia (9), Wealthy (10), Phebe (11). With his son 
Truman he started the present "Sheldon House" for svimmer sea-side 
guests. It is continued by descendants of Truman. The cottage re- 
cently in use at this resort, north side of the road, was originally the home 
of the family. It was covered with shingles. The daughter Sophronia, 
who married Mr. Burton, parents of Catherine Burton, sometime of 
Bristol, resided in the shingled house. Catherine Burton married 
Alonzo Welton, who died in Bristol, 1864, age 31. 

The shingled house was afterwards moved and a modern cottage 
now stands on its site. 

Of the eleven children of Jerre Sheldon only Asher survives. He 
is a resident of New Haven and 93 years of age, yet able to do light work. 
He takes pleasure in a walking trip of five miles, at one time, or writing 
an interesting letter in a clear, firm hand. 

Wilson Sheldon was bom in Branford, April 9, 1809. Died in 
Bristol, at the Brook-side home, Nov. 30, 1890, of pneumonia. When 
young he learned the wood turning business and became an expert 
workman of his time. His life work was chiefly in the clock-making 
industries of Bristol; beginning with Day & Brewster or Brewster & 
Ingraham and ending with the E. Ingraham Clock Co. He married 
Oct. 17, 1830, Phebe Rebecca Matthews, daughter of Joel and Abigail 
(Tuttle) Matthews of Fall Mottntain, Bristol. 

Mrs. Wilson Sheldon was of devoted, religious temperament. She 




RESIDENCE OF WM. JEKO.ME IX i t 'A) (.NO. 35/ TIllCUUORE LOCKENWITZ O. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 249 

became a member of the Baptist Church, in Bristol, and a prominent 
soprano singer in the choir. In early married life, under stress of pro- 
tracted religious services in connection with intense Bible study, her 
mind became unbalanced from which she never fully recovered. She 
died March 25, 1858. 

Children of Wilson and Phebe R. (Matthews) Sheldon were nine in 
number: Jeremiah (1), 1831-1832; Andrew (2). 1833-1834; Mariette 
(3), b. Aug. 18, 1834; Emehne (4), b. April 4, 1836; Nancy Matthews 
(5), b. July 25, 1838; Orlando (6), June 24, 1841; Edward (7), Edgar 
(8) twins, b. 1845, died aged one year; Miles (9), b. 1848, Hved about 
two years. 

Mariette (3), b. 1834, married Ralph Merrills of New Hartford, 
Conn., a veteran in the Cavalry Service of the Civil War. Two daughters, 
Clara the elder is wife of Edward G. Peck, a foreman at P. & F. Corbin's, 
New Britain, Conn. The younger child died as the result of a fall in 
infancy. Mrs. Mariette Merrills died at the home of her sister, Mrs. 
E. M. Curtiss, Bristol, March 11, 1904, aged 70. 

Emeline (4), b. 1836, married Edwin Miles Curtiss, son of Philo and 
Charlotte M. Curtiss of Edgewood. Their children were: Emerson W. 
(1), (blind from birth), married Emily Sheldon; Herbert (2), 2 years; 
Wallace E. (3); Elbert Everett (4), (drowned at Cedar Swamp Lake, 
22 or 23 years of age); Ida May (5), married Will Cable; Linus (6), 10 
weeks; Frank (7). 

Nancy Matthews (5), b. 1838, died Dec. 16, 1900, of measles, age 68. 
W^ife of Willis B. Wheeler of Bristol. No children. 

Orlando (6), b. 1841. Enlisted when 22 years of age in the First 
Conn. Vol. Heavy Artillery. Received honorable discharge Oct. 9, 
1865, after the close of the Civil War. The following winter took a 
course of instruction in the U. S. College of Business and Finance, New 
Haven, Conn. Has since been occupied in bookkeeping and mercantile 
pvirsuits. Married April 5, 1870, at Derby, Conn., Laura Maria Curtiss, 
daughter of Philo and Charlotte M. Curtiss. Three children were born 
to them in Bristol. Bertha Laura, a kindergarten teacher in New Britain, 
and twin daughters, who died in infancy. One son, Curtiss Lanfair, 
bom in New Britain, Conn., Residence in New Britain, Conn, since 1884. 

Later Axel V. Jacobson, who married Eliza Johnson, sister to John, 
Victor, Emma (Mrs. Max Christianson), Mary (Mrs. Axel Kalstrom), 
and others, bought the place. They were residing there in 1893. The 
death of Mrs. Jacobson, with subsequent poor health and finally death of 
Mr. Jacobson soon, again closed the home. It was purchased by Henry 
I. Muzzy, the present owner. It is seldom occupied and but for short 
periods. 

At the hill top next south, Thomas Martin built a small house 
(No. 31). Only the well, 40 feet deep, with the nearly filled cellar are 
left of the former home. Thomas Martin married first a sister of the 
wife of Wm. Ward, who died leavingthe children: Catharine (1), James 
(2), Mary (3), Patrick (4). The second wife had a daughter Margaret 
(Maggie). Only Patrick is known to be a resident of Bristol in 1907. 
When the house burned after 1860, the family moved to the Austin 
Wilcox house on Farmington Ave., on the mountain opposite the spring. 
Thomas Martin died Feb. 8, 1890, age 73. 

Second Division. 

In 1829, the town voted that the northeast school district be ex- 
tended south as far as the south line of the house lot of Wm. Jerome 
on the west side of the highway. 1830 the town voted that the north- 
east district be extended south to the south side of the dwelling house 
of David Steele. 

October 6, 1828, is the date of a deed given to Asa Bartholomew 
by Selectmen of Bristol, Hartford Co., of land in two pieces of old high- 
way. The lower piece called in the papers "Mill Road" was closed by 



250 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




RESIDENCE BUILT BY WILLIAM (SECOND) AND BENJAMIN JEROME (nO. 37). 

SOLD TO ASA BARTHOLOMEW IN 1867, OWNED BY PHEBE (BRONSON) 

ALCOTT, OBERLIN O. 



Mr. Bartholomew but reopened later when it was known as "the new 
road." When the first Bristol Directory was published, 1882, it was 
named Warner St., from its one factory owned by H. A. & A. H. Warner, 
(afterward burned). This piece was said "to contain all the old highway 
running easterly and westerly, beginning on the west line of the north 
and south highway a little north of the dwelling house of Polly Jerome" 
(now owned by Mr. Lockenwitz) (No. 35), "and from there running 
westerly a part of the way 2^^ rods wide and the remainder of the way 
being 2 rods wide, until it runs to the east and west highway near the 
house now occupied by David Steele" (No. 46) [in 1907 by Alice M. 
Bartholomew as a studio], "reserving to Polly Jerome the privilege of a 
passage to and from her barn." 

"The other piece is 2 rods wide and begins on the west line of the 
north and south highway, a little north of the house now occupied by 
Isaac Gillett (No. 58), and to extend west and south of the house of Moses 
Pickingham." The latter piece of old road has not been reopened. It 
came out on Jerome Ave., a short distance south of Jerome B. Fords' 
house on the west roadside. Asa Bartholomew then opened Edgewood 
St. from Jerome Ave. west to south of Moses Pickingham's place. 

In March, 1833, an attempt was made to annex to the North School 
District the resident inhabitants of No. 7, south and southwesterly of 
the north dwelling house of Asa Bartholomew (No. 55), including that 
dwelling, or if best, to unite the two school districts in one. 

The school meeting of March 11, 1833, to consider the subject in 
the Baptist "meeting house" adjourned till 3 o'clock, p. m., in the base- 
ment of the Congregational Church, and "Voted, that the petition of 
George W. Bartholomew and others, be referred to Joel Truesdale, 
Tracy Peck and Philip Gaylord, Esqs., as a committee to fully view and 
examine North and Northeast Districts with regard to scholars, dis- 
tances, etc., and report to a future meeting their opinions; and if thought 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." " 251 

best to unite the two districts, to recommend a location for a school- 
house." On April 1, 1S33, the committee who were appointed at the 
last meeting, made a written report that in their opinion it would be 
expedient to unite the two districts, which report was not approved. 
Instead, it was "Voted, that all that part of the Northeast School Dis- 
trict lying southeast and west of the north side of the red dwelling house 
of Asa Bartholomew (formerly the Upson house)" (in 1907 the residence 
of Augustus H. Warner) "be annexed to constitute a part of the North 
School District." October 3, 1836, at the annual meeting, "Voted, 
that all the inhabitants of that portion of this society upon which they 
reside be established and made a school district by the name of the 
Middle North to wit: beginning at the run of water passing the highway 
westward of the dwelling house of Lauren Byington and thence extend- 
ing eastward to the north and south highway, North to include the red 
dwelling house owned by Asa Bartholomew and South to include the 
dwelling house of David Steele," (No. 32). 

No. 7, called Northeast District. 

No. 8, called North District. 

No. 9, called Middle North. 

In 1841,. when the School Society's Committee were instructed to 
settle and define the boundaries of several districts agreeable to the law, 
it was done, and all written out in 1842. It was "Resolved, that all the 
territory within the following lines and boundaries shall foma and con- 
stitute one school district, viz: Beginning at the center of the highway 
between the houses of Noah Lewis and David Steele, opposite the north- 
east corner of said Lewis' land, lying on the west side of the highway, 
and thence west on said Lewis' land north to his northwest corner, thence 
north in a direct line to the southeast corner of Rensselaer Upson's 
east line, and on the east line of land of David A. and Franklin Newell 
to the northeast corner of the ancient Newell farm, and thence across 
the lots and pond in a direct line to the bridge, across the small brook 
(or sluice) a little east of Byington and Graham's Factory, thence north 
across the lots to the original line between the old Byington and Camp 
farms, and thence east, following said line to the highway, and thence 
east across the highway and continuing east on the line between lands 
owned by Joseph Byington and Allen Winston to the center of the 
North Branch Stream and thence south in the center of said stream to 
the dividing line between the farm of Noah Lewis and the farm of the 
late Mark Lewis, deceased, and thence west on said original line to the 
highway and place of beginning. And all persons now residing within 
said lines and bounds, and all who may hereafter reside therein, shall be, 
form, and constitute one school district and be known and called District 
(No. 9) with all the rights, privileges and immunities that school districts 
by law enjoy." 

Soon after this change in the districts was effected and supposed 
to be amicably settled, some of the residents of School District No. 8 
urged that the "grist mill" be left in their district as they wished the 
income from the property tax ; though considering its location, it seemed 
properly to belong to No. 9. A meeting was called, when a good man 
from No. 8 made a speech advocating the change. He requested No. 9 
to remember the Golden Rule and do as they would be done by. "Fiigh! 
Fugh!" said "Uncle" Asa Bartholomew, in reply, "we go by the Wooden 
Rule. Do as you agree," which seemed to settle the argument. 

Having canvassed the north part of District No. 7, to the line as 
defined in 1842, to be the division between No. 7 and No. 9, making two 
districts of the one, No. 7, the record locates the remaining families 
now of No. 9, beginning with the southern-most house, (No. 32), which 
was early built by Josiah Lewis for his youngest son, Mark. It is said, 
if the date of Mark Lewis' marriage were known, it would correspond with 
that of the house building. The "house, with the farm of one hundred 
acres, a barn, a cow, a hive of bess, and a "Waterbury Sweet apple tree" 
being the marriage gift expected from the indulgent father, Josiah Lewis. 
Mark Lewis married Sarah Root, who died 1843, age 7G. The children 



252 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

of Mark and Sarah (Root) Lewis were: Adna (1), who married Eunice 
Dutton and moved to Meredith, N. Y.; Theodore (2), married Phebe 
Rich, moved to Ohio; Sophia (3), born 179G, died 1827; Romeo (4), 
married George Lewis' widow; (5), Harry moved to Ohio; WilHs (6), 
born ISOO, married Lavina Bradley, died 1826; George (7), bom 1802, 
married Miss North of Farmington, Conn., studied medicine and died 
of consumption in Florida, 1833, aged 31 years. 

In 1830, David Steele, who married Nancy Wilcox, daughter of 
Benjamin, and sister to Chester, moved from his former home on the 
Mill Road to possess the Mark Lewis house. He brought his children, 
Samuel (1), Lucina (2), and Franklin (3), but Jane (4) was born in this 
second home. At that time the Hartford and Litchfield stages brovight 
parcels of United States mail to the Noah Lewis comer south, which 
were thrown off without ceremony. Franklin Steele, then a young lad, 
would run down for the Weekly Courant. One time in particular he 
does not forget, when he hurried in without knocking, called ovit "I've 
come after the paper," and surprised the worthy people at family prayers. 
Mr. Steele removed the "lean-to" roof of the house and made other 
changes, so that frequently it is not recognized as one of the ancient 
Lewis homes. David Steele died Sept. 18, 1853. His widow became 
Mrs. Wm. Root and resided in Plainville, Conn. She died 1869, age 75. 
Afterward the Mix family owned and occupied the place the greater 
part of the tim.e, until quite recently Judd Mix, son of Asahel of Ashbel 
of Timothy, with his wife, Anne (Palmer) Mix of Farmington, Conn. 

Before there was an Advent Church in Bristol, meetings of that 
denomination were held often and regularly at this house, from 1860 
to 1870. Worshipers from Hartford, including the wife of the inayor 
of the city, and from neighboring towns helped to swell the numbers 
in attendance. They were then called Millerites. When Judd Mix 
sold his place recently, an auction sale of household goods afforded to 
overs of "the antique" an opportunity to secure some desirable articles. 
The children of Judd and Anne (Palmer) Mix were Arthur, David and 




TH I- I Mil ASA H 1-. I Al 1 \ I'l At. I-, 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." • 253 

Electa, who cared for the home chiefly after the death of the mother more 
than ten years past. The sons estabhshed gardens and built greenhouses 
which have developed into the Edgewood Gardens of today, owned and 
continued by E. W. Holmes. 

Mr. Judd Mix and sons are in Bristol Center. 1907. 
William Jerome {Jerom). 

William Jerome 4th, with his sister Mrs. Louisa Blood, and his 
brother Daniel with wife and daughter Harriet, reside at the next house 
north (No. 33), on the west side of the way. Their first ancestor in 
America was Timothy Jerome, who came from England in 1710, and 
became one of the first settlers of Wallingford, Conn. He purchased 
a large tract of land in Farmington which he gave to his son William, 
who had also a sale of land from Ebenezer Hawley of Fannington in 
1741, and one from Benjamin Bronson in 1742, while yet he was William 
Jerome of Wallingford. The records and deeds show his first appearance 
in New Cambridge (Bristol) 1747, when he traded land with Caleb Palmer, 
who lived where the house of H O. Miller now stands. It is certain 
that William Jerome was admitted to the church in New Cambridge 
in 1750, and his brother Zerubbable, who settled in or near Pequabuc, 
in 1755, In 1752 the town of Farmington exchanged land with William 
1st for a highway, the description of which in the papers, deeds, etc., 
indicates the location as that of the present thoroughfare appropriately 
named Jerome Avenue. It extends from Lewis' Corners to Burlington 
town line. William 1st, and his son William 2d, added to their landed 
property tmtil it extended easterly as a continuous tract to nearly the 
present town of Fannington, and northward into Burlington. 

William Jerome 3d married Charity Hotchkiss, daughter of Elisha 
and sister to EHsha, Jr., the clock maker of Burlington. In 1818, with 
David Steele, they built the house on Warner St. (now owned by A. M. 
Bartholomew) (No. 46) where the oldest child of Mr. Jerome was born. 
Soon after they left this place to spend a few years with the aged parents 
of Mrs. Jerome, in District No. 8. They returned to No. 7 about 1827, 
when they built the house (No. 33) in which the family have lived to 
the present time. It is thought to be 80 years old. William Jerome 3d 
died June 23, 1848, aged 56. Charity (Hotchkiss) Jerome died July 10, 
1868. Children: Louisa (1), married Wm. Blood of Charlton, Mass. She 
has been a widow many years; William (2), not married, a fanner and 
fruit grower; Daniel (3), a farmer and fruit grower, married Mary Parker 
of Meriden, Conn. They have one daughter, Harriet Louisa Jerome, 
6th generation from Timothy. While there were many of the older 
members of the Jerome family who were admitted to the First Congre- 
gational and only Church of Bristol at that time, this family are loyal 
members of the Prospect Methodist Church. The fervent prayers of 
Daniel Jerome have comforted many who have "passed away." They 
are not forgotten by those remaining as heard in the little schoolhouse 
of the village. 

At the hilltop, north of the Jerome's, is a one-story house (No. 34) 
in which Simeon Curtiss, son of Joshua, was living before the middle 
of the last century and probably built. He was born 1816, and died 
April 3, 1882. He married Maria Hoskins. She brought a letter from 
Fannington, Conn., 1853, to Bristol Congregational Church. They 
had two daughters, Adeline (1) who died of consiunption, 1862, aged 16, 
and Alvina (2) who married Julius B. Smith, son of Nelson. She died 
in Whigville, leaving her son Ernest, born 1874, a cripple from a fall 
when a babe. At Simeon Curtiss' death in 1882 the proceeds from his 
little farm were used in New York City, in medical treatment for the 
benefit of his grandchild and only living descendant, Ernest Robert 
Smith, who was a sturdy child to all appearances except for inabilitv 
to walk. Though helped and able to attend school he was never cured 
of lameness. He went with the family when they removed to Geneva, 
Ohio, where he died of consumption Jan. 11, 1900, aged 26. A sister 
younger lived to the age of si.x years. For some years Simeon Curtiss. 



254 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



1856 to '63, lived on the Martin Hart farm. He was in occupancy of 
the Hart house when it burned. While away, one of the tenants of his 
own house was Augustus H. Warner when living with his first wife, 
Eugenia (Smith) Warner. Their children were Henry D. and Fannie 
Warner, who married William Hart, son of Calvin 2d, living in Bristol 
Center. 

The place then passed into the hands of Peter J. Lawson (Larson), 
who with his wife and youngest child, Carl Peter (Peterson), came from 
Sweden to America in 1882, and for the 26 years since has been with the 
Bartholomews in the factory. The father died March 14, 1907, aged 78 
years. Carl Peter Peterson married Hilda E. Danielson (in America 
since 1891). They have two children, Mildred and Valdemar. Christina 
A.Peterson, oldest child of Peter J. Lawson, was the first of the family 
to cross the Atlantic. She came to America, 1879; lived in the family 
of the late H. S. Bartholomew ttntil 1886 or 1887, when she married 
Charles Neilson of Bristol, Conn. They have a daughter and son living 
in Bristol. Her sister, Annie C. Peterson, came with the brother John 
August in 1880. She married Peter Neilson (dec.) brother of Charles. 
She has been a patient at the Middletown Hospital some years. Of her 
four children Albin and Elmer died, Ruby and a younger sister are in 
Hartford. 

WILLIAM JEROME 1st 

The ancient but well preserved house of William Jerome 1st (No. 35) 
is next north, on the west roadside also. Its last occupant to bear the 
name of Jerome was Polly, mentioned in the deed of old highways to 
Asa Bartholomew 1828, when a passage to her barn was reserved. The 
house once painted red is now looking youthful in a coat of white, un- 
mindful of the burden of lives it has protected during its more than 
century and half of existence. There is no one to state the exact year 
of its building. From all the traditions of the continuous family it is 
learned that it is one of the oldest houses in Bristol built by the great- 




SCHOOLHOUSE AT EDGEWOOD. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 255 

great-grandfather of Harriet Louisa Jerome of 1907. William 1st, son 
of Timothy, was born in Wallingford in the year 1717. He married 
Elizabeth Hart, Nov. 13, 1738. He removed to New Cambridge about 
1745. He united with the First Congregational Church, 1750. He died 
in the year 1794, at the age of 77 j'ears. Children of Wm. 1st and EHz- 
abeth (Hart) Jerome were WilHam 2d (1), Benjamin (2), David (3), 
Abigail (4), Sarah (5), Rhoda (6j, and Anna (7). 

William 2d married 1st Phebe Barnes [daughter of Josiah of Jediah 
of Ebenezer of Thomas, the pioneer]. He married 2d PollyAndrews. 
Benjamin Jerome married Sarah Andrews. Abigail married Josiah 
Lewis 2d. Sarah married Abel Yale 2d. 

Benjamin Jerome brought up his family at the house of his father, 
Wm. Jerome 1st. His wife was Sarah Andrews. He was engaged in 
milling with his brother Wm. 2d, mitil his death, Sept. 18, 1803, aged 
44 years. Children of Benjamin and Sarah (Andrews) Jerome: Lot (1), 
Hiram (2), Orrin (3), James (4), Sally (Sarah) (5) and Lorena [called 
in Congregational Church Manual "Irene, wife of Abner Brown"]. Her 
data are given in the Yale Genealogy of this record. 

Lot was a resident of Bristol till old age. His house and farm were 
on Stafford Ave., a short distance north of Forestville on the west side 
of the street. Sylvia, wife of Lot Jerome (1), d. 1875, age 74; Hiram 
Jerome (2), b. Jan. 1802, m., 1829, Rachel Spencer, b. 1809, in Berlin, 
Conn. Hiram Jerome went to California at one time; was a brass 
worker in Bristol, 1861, and a member of the Congregational Church 
after 1816. He d. 1876, age 74. [Three daughters, Augusta (1), Abi- 
gail (2), Anna (3)]. Orrin Jerome (3), admitted to the Church, 1719, 
d., 1851, aged 60; artist, painter of miniature portraits of merit, as 
shown by work preserved, including a portrait of himself owned by his 
sister Lorena, 2d wife of Abel Yale 3d. James (4), joined Church, i821; 
d., 1824, aged 26 years. Sally (Sarah) (5), joined the Church, 1815, with 
her husband Shadrach Pierce; Lorena (6) [Irene], m. 1st Abner Brown 
[one son Orrin Brown of Forestville]; m. 2d her cousin, Abel Yale 3d. 

Other families resided in the house at different times, and often 
two at one time, before Alanson, son of Lorenso and Annis (Botsford) 
Winston became permanent resident. Alanson Winston, b. 1816, 
m., 1839, Nancy Maria, b., 1818, daughter of Asa Bartholomew. Mr. 
Winston d., 1875, age 59, at Atlantic, Iowa. Mrs. Nancy M. Winston 
d., 1880, aged 62, at Atlantic, Iowa. Their children, bom in District 
No. 9, Bristol, were; Sarah Annis (1), b., 1841, m., 1862, Julius Almeron 
Pond, son of Julius Rodney and EHzabeth (Preston) Pond, b., 1840. 
Thev have one child, Martin Almeron Pond, b., 1865, in Whigville, m., 
1888, M. May Miller, daughter of David P. and Margaret A. (Bullis) 
Miller of Southington, b., 1867. [Ch., Infant (1), 1889, d., young; Leslie 
Miller Pond, (2), b., 1891] 

DeWitt Alanson (2), b., 1843, m., 1867, Jane Elizabeth Byington, 
b., 1844, daughter of George. [One son, Nathan DeWitt, b., 1782] m., 
1896, Emma Geneva Link, b., 1876. [Two children, the elder, Mabel 
Cynthia (1), b., 1897]. This father and son reside, Atlantic, Iowa. They 
are farmers. 

Frances Maria (3), b., 1845, m., 1868, Peter J. Defendorf, b., 1847, 
at Pleasant Brook, Otsego Co., N. Y. Two children, Cora Rebecca (1), 
b., 1871, m., 1893, Charles Lawson Wooding, b., 1869, graduated from 
Yale College, 1892; librarian, Bristol Public Library. Children, Lois 
Frances b. Feb., 1895 (dec); Helen b., 1897. Fred Winston (2), second 
child of Frances M. and Peter Defendorf, b., 1878, d., 1880. 

Frank W. (4), of Pawnee City, Iowa, now of Bristol, Conn., b., 1852, 
m., 1875, Alice Muzzy of Henry, b., 1855 in Bristol, Conn. Two children 
[Ella M. Winston b., 1876, in Iowa; Ernest F., 1882; graduated Trinity 
College, Hartford, 1905]. 

George M. Winston (5), b., 1863, m., 1892, Edna May Todd, 1871. 
[Children b. in Nebraska; Charles J. (1), 1892; Fred D. (2), 1894; Martha 
E. (3), 1897]. 



256 



BRISTOL, COMNKf'TiriTT 




FRANK PETERSON, U. S. N., 1899-1905. 

Julius Rodney Pond of Martin, next bought the Wni. Jerome 1st 
hovise, in which also resided his only child, Julius Almeron Pond and 
family. Jullius Rodney Pond d., May 30, 1883. Mrs. Elizabeth (Pres- 
ton) Pond, daughter of Luman, of Plymouth, d. Sept. 30, 1883. The 
son Juhus Almeron Pond sold the place to Theodore Lockenwitz, the 
present owner, April 1, 1896. Mr. Lockenwitz has a large family of 
children and relatives. 

Soon after 1860, Horace Osborne Miller built a house at the north- 
west corner of Warner St. and Jeroine Ave., the site of the Caleb Palmer 
house (No. 36). "Caleb Palmer and his wife" were church members in 
Bristol, Aug., 1747. Wm. Jerome 4th, now living, was always told by 
his father, Wm. 3d, that Caleb Palmer lived at that place. Mr. Miller 
found in excavating for his cellar, the foundations of the old stone chim- 
ney, burnt stones, and a coin, several feet below the surface of the soil, 
which he did not long preserve. He also dug out from the terraces the 
stump and roots of a large pine tree, known for its size as a landmark 
from the beginning of the settlement. Tt was remembered by William 
and Daniel Jerome as a stump when they were children. Mr. Miller 
built his house in part of a building he had secured in Burlington of his 
father-in-law, Chester Bunnell. He purchased the old wagon shop, 
fonnerly used by Vincent Thompson and Lewis Bradley, in Burlington, 
near North Peaceable St., Bristol. The wagon shop, enlarged to nearly 
double the original size, stands west of his house on Warner St., and is his 
present barn. The house in use about a score of years (with the sugges- 
tion and encouragement of his son Luther) gave way to the present 
well-built home. Mr. Miller is a mason and brick-layer. He married 
first Henrietta Bunnell, daughter of Chester, the mother of his children. 
Mary (1), [Mrs. Hill of Bristol]; Henrietta (2), George (3), Luther (4), 
Emma May, (5) (dec.) and William (6). Mr. Miller m. 2d, Nancy Marvin 
of Goshen, Conn., who died after a residence of few years in Bristol. 
The 3d marriage was to Mrs. Electa M. (Curtiss) Hinman, of Plainville, 
Conn. 

William Jerome 2d,, built and lived in the house of mansion style 
(No. 37), north of Mr. Miller. In 1788, with his brother Benjamin, 
he purchased of Amasa Ives an interest in the Gristmill where the Bar- 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 257 

tholomew Factory now stands. His brother died in 18();5. In that 
year their interest in the mill was increased. In 1809, Wni. Jerome, 2d, 
was three quarters owner of the mill, with Isaac Graham, Sr., owning 
a one quarter's right. (Isaac Graham, Sr., was father of Edward (1), 
Alexander (2), George (3) and Isaac, Jr. (4) ). He lived in a small 
house near the head of the Mill Pond in District No. 8. William Jerome 
married first Phebe Barnes, daughter of Josiah, of Jediah, of Ebenezer, 
of Thomas, the Pioneer. Married second, Polly Andrews. Children 
of Wm., 2d, and Phebe (Barnes) Jerome, w'ere Alva (1), Sylvester (2), 
Daniel (3), William, 3d (4), Willis (5). and Willard (6), Amanda (7), 
Eunice (8), Hannah (9), Phebe (10). The children of the second wife, 
Polly Andrews, were Julina (JuHa Ann) (11), Sophronia (12), Polly (13), 
William Jerome, 2d, died 1821, aged 65. Phebe. his wife, died 1804, 
aged 44. 

William Jerome, 3d, married Charity Hotchkiss. 

Eunice Jeroine married Thomas Rowe. 

Julina Jerome married Samuel Pardee (nephew of Dr. Jared Pardee) . 

Sophronia married Elizur Hart. 

Hannah married Bryan Richards. 

Phebe married Mr. Payne. Alva united with church, Feb. 17, 1811. 

Wm. Jerome, 2d, died in 1821. The Gristmill was sold to Martin 
Byington and Isaac Graham (Byington &. Graham). Asa Bartholomew, 
son of Jacob, bought the Wm., 2d (Jerome), place in 1807. In 18^8, 
Polly Jerome, widow of Wm. Jerome, 2d, w^as living in the old home of 
Wm., 1st. It appears probable that the Jeromes w'ent there to vacate 
the house bought by Asa Bartholomew in 1807. 

Asa, son of Jacob and Sarah (Gridley) Bartholomew, was born at 
Bartemy Tavern, Peaceable St., or the old North School District of 
Bristol, March 25, 1776, where he lived until his marriage in 1801, to 
Charity, daughter of Isaac Welles Shelton. Charity Shelton had three 
direct lines of ancestry to Gov. Welles, of Connecticut. In 1805, they 
moved to Pleasant Valley, N. Y., for two years' residence. There they 
kept a tavern and the son George Welles, was bom. Returning to 
Bristol they purchased the residence of Wm. Jerome, 2d, with 360 acres 
of land, establishing the home of many years. Eventually the place 
was sold to Frank Bishop of Avon, Conn., who sold it to Isaac Bronson, 
son of Deacon Irad about 1858. Mr. Bronson, with his second wife, 
Melinda (Price) Norton, adopted daughter of Eben Norton of Bristol, 
and Goshen, Conn., died in 1888 a tragic death by the hand of Mr. Bron- 
son, while doubtless insane. They had no children. 

Afterward Albert J. Hart engaged in market gardening here until 
the purchase of a home elsewhere. Others were residents for short 
periods. For the past nine years Charles Downs, son of Levi, of North- 
field, Conn., has made it his home. He married Kate Scoville, daughter 
of Stephen E. Their children, born in this district, with exception of 
the oldest, who was bom in No. 8, are: Elmer S. (1), Louise E. (2), 
(deceased 1893), Edna M. (3), Ella L. (4), Leroy E. (5) and Bertha L. 
(6), bom 1906. 

Mrs. Phebe (Bronson) Alcott of Oberlin, Ohio, is present owner 
of the property. 

Children of Asa and Charity (Shelton) Bartholomew: 

Emily (1), bom Jan. 1, 1804; married Rensselaer Upson. 

George Welles (2), born June 19, 1805; married first Angeline Ives, 
daughter of Deacon Charles. 

Harry Shelton (3), bom June 3, 1807; died Oct. 7, 1827, age 20. 

Paulina (4), born June 18, 1809; married Alvin Ferry Alpress. 

Jennette (5), bom March 31, 1812; married Dr. Eli Todd Merriman. 

Asa (6), born Feb. 5, 1815; married Mary Lydia Birge, daughter of 
John. 

Nancy Maria (7), born Dec. 22, 1818; married Alanson Winston of 
Lorenzo. 



258 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




GEORGE W. BARTHOLOMEW. 



HARRY S. BARTHOLOMEW. 



Jane Charity (8), born Feb. '2'2. ISL'l ;7married Wellington Winston 
of Lorenzo. 

Asa Bartholomew, son of Jacob, born 1776, died at the home of 
his daughter, Mrs. Emily (Bartholomew) Upson, with whoin he was 
living, Oct. 31, 1864, aged 88. Charity Shelton, whom he married, 
Sept. 10, 1801, was born 1784. Died at her home at the residence of 
her son, George Welles Bartholomew, Sept. 15, 1859, aged 75. 

The house on north corner of Mix St. and Jerome Ave. (No. 38), 
Avas built by Wellington Winston, son of Lorenzo and Annis (Botsford) 
Winston, who m.arried, Sept. 13, 1842, Jane Charity, daughter of Asa 
and Charity Bartholomew. He was born, 1818; went to California in 
1849. He remained there but a year or two. Returning began a wood- 
turning business with his brother Alanson, lasting about five years. 
He died April 15, 1854, age 36. His burial was attended April 17, 1854, 
after the noted snow-fall of that year, on the 16th of April. Jane Charity 
(Bartholomew) Winston, his wife, died Jan. 28, 1888, age 67, at the 
Hospital in Hartford, where she had been ill some years. Interred at 
Forestville, her family residence. Three children born in District No. 9 
are residents of Forestville. The sons, clock makers, many years. 
Cora Annette (1), b. Sept. 1, 1843, m. Chas. W. Bradshaw, Mav 13, 1872. 
He was born, 1842, d., 1886, age 44. [Children, Wallace L. (f). b., Nov. 
13, 1873; Bertha Jane (2), b., Aug. 1, 1876, d. young.] Wellington W. 
Winston (2), b., July 7, 1847, m., Jan. 13, 1877, Mrs. Eunice L. (Smith) 
Wright, b., Oct. 13, 1853. She had a daughter Grace Wright, b., June 
2. 1874. Wallace F. Winston (3), b., June IS, 1853, m., Oct. 16, 1881, 
Elizabeth Masters (dec). She was b., March 27, 1850. [Ch., Bertha E. 
(1), b., Oct. 29, 1882; Hoivard W. Winston (2). b., Sept. 16, 1885.] 

Dea. Irad Bronson bought the Wellington Winston house, 1858, 
where he lived with his wife Phebe till they died. He was third son of 
Isaac of Wolcott, Conn., b. Aug. 27, 1788. He was a deacon of the Con- 
gregational Church in Wolcott nine years, removed to Southington and 
brought letters to the Bristol Church from Holliston, Mass., 1858, also his 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE.'' 259 

daughter, Elizabeth T. Bronson, who died recently in Oberlin, Ohio, 
and is interred in Bristol. He married, Nov. 6, ISll, Phebe Norton, 
daughter of Isaac, who resided on the Isaac Pierce farm near Compounce 
Lake. Their children were Plicbc L. (1), b. Nov. 8, 1S12, m., June 14, 
1836, Dr. Wm. A. Alcott (author), b. Wolcott, Conn., son of Obed and 
second cousin of Amos Bronson Alcott, the celebrated writer of the 
Concord School of Philosophy, and father of Louisa May Alcott and 
sisters. Dr. W. A. Alcott was author of over one hundred published 
volumes, of which nineteen were educational works, some of them in 
connection with Wm. Woodbridge, the author of School Geographies, 
etc. "His name is identified with some of the most valuable reforms in 
education, morals, and physical training of the present century." Isaac 
(2), b. May 15, 1815, d. 1SS8. Elizabeth (3), b. Jan. 27, 1818, d. at 
Oberlin, Ohio. Dea. Irad Bronson d. 1882, age 94. Phebe {Norton) 
Bronson died 1888, age 98. 

Mrs. Phebe Bronson Alcott resides in Oberlin with her daughter, 
Mrs. Phebe (Alcott) Crafts, widow of Walter Crafts, a member of the 
American Institute of Mining Engineers, At the time of his sudden 
death, he was an official in the Columbus and Hocking Coal and Iron 
Co., 1883. The second child of Phebe (Bronson) Alcott is Wm. A., a 
clergyman of Mass., lover of nature, and pupil of Jean Louis Agassiz. 
He has a family near Boston. 

Henry and Melissa (Brown) Leach followed the Bronsons in owner- 
ship and occupancy of the Wellington Winston house. Their oldest 
child, Edward Morrison, came with them. Other children born in the 
district were Ernest Brown (2), Nancy (3), Dora (4). The house burned 
on a morning of April, 18i)l. It was rebuilt the following summer. 
When last heard from Mr. Leach was living in the southwestern part 
of the state. (March, 1907). He was lineman for a telegraph co., with 
duties along railroad lines. The son Edward married, and is lineman for 
Southern New England Telephone Co. The mother of Mr. Leach was 
a nurse and planned, at one time, to build a sanitarium on Fall Moun- 
tain. The Leach family were originally from Maine. Albert John 
and Eunice M. (Belden) Hart removed from the Isaac Bronson fann, 
where he was a tenant and market-gardener, to the house vacated b}^ 
Mr. Leach. He was son of John, of Ambrose, of Simeon, of Burlington; 
b. in Whigville, and m. Jane Chidsey, daughter of Dea. Chidsey of Avon, 
and sister to Thames Chidsey, purchaser of Dea. Charles G. Ives' farm 
in Peaceable St. They resided at the John Hart farm in Whigville, 
where Mary (1), Jenny (2), and Charles Hart (3), were bom and the mother 
Mrs. Jane "(Chidsey) Hart died of consvimption when the children were 
young. 

Mary Hart m. Dewey Lusk of Avon. She taught school before 
marriage and afterward resided in New Britain and Plainville. Her 
husband died after long continued ill health, when she canvassed for 
books, etc. Pursuing her avocation she called where exposed to measles 
and contracted the disease in most virulent form of black measles, a 
fatal case. Jenny died of consumption be'fore the death of her sister 
Mary; Charles m. a niece of his step mother (Hutchinson by name). 
At the time of his father's death he was residing in Salisbury, Conn. 
Albert John Hart m. 2d, June 29, 1882, Eunice (Munson) Belden, b., 
1848. They removed soon from Whigville to Unionville, where the 
daughter Jennie died and the sons, Ernest and John, were born. Ernest 
is a graduate, 1907, Williams College, Wilhamstown, Mass., and John is 
at Wesleyan University, Middletown. From Unionville, Conn., they 
came to District No. 9, Bristol, Conn. Albert John Hart died rather 
suddenly in the spring of 1896, age 62. Mrs. Hart removed to 27 Prince 
street, Bristol, where she now resides. 

Wm. C. Bramhall and wife, Ruth Isabella (London) Mix, widow 
of Asahel Mix, then left the Mix house and resided in the Wellington 
AVinston home until the death of Mrs. Bramhall in Oct., 1900, when 
thev removed to another district. Their children are: Pearle (1), 



260 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



[married Frank Thomas, son of Theodore]; Rav W. (2); Laura L. (3); 
Paul E. (4); Wesley W. C. (5), and Beatrice M.' (6). Ray and Paul are 
employed at the Stanley R. & L. Co. works in Edgewood. The last 
resident proprietor of the place is Charles W. Hotchkiss, son of Alfred C, 
employed at S. C. Co., Forestville. He married Myrtle Williams of 
Southington. They have two daughters, Pearle and Ruby. 

At the place next east (No. 39) on south roadside is found the tirst 
house bviilt by John H. London in this district, and formerly located 
in the field southeasterly from its present situation. It was convenient 
of access from Mix St., and not far from Asahel Mix's house, but facing 
Jerome Ave. John H. London, son of Hiram and Ruth (Curtiss) London, 
married Alice Terrill. Their children were: Maude (1), married Bryce; 
Lilian (2), married Harry Evans. She died in Waterbury, leaving one 
child (adopted by her sister Maude). Ruby (3), who died young, at this 
place; Mabel (4), married Perry Goodwin, a dentist, resides in Illinois, 
and Harold (5) and Alice (6), born in Bristol Center. Mrs. London died 
recently at their home. Mountain View, Plainville, Conn. (1907). 

Edmund Root and family resided at the house in the meadow from 
1882-1903, when thev moved to New Hartford. He was a carpenter. 
His children: Elizabeth (1), Charles D. (2), Edmund (3). Mr. Leach 
bought the house intending to rent his home on the corner, and moved 
for a few weeks or months to the London place. He then returned to 
his house at the corner, but moved the London house to the street at 
present location. It is now owned by Mr. Friborg, of New Britain, 
who makes it a tenement. Recent occupants were the Olsons of Collins- 
ville, whose 13th child was born during their life there. Amandus 
Carlson and wife, with children Eva and Alvin, are present habitants. 
When John H. London gave up his first built hoiise he erected the second 
home on the north side of Mix street (No. 40), east of the former home, 
after its removal, in which he resided some years and sold it to Herman 
Ockles, who resided there about 20 years, including a visit to Germany 



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THK OI.l) MUZZY S.WV MM. I, (XO. 16). 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 261 

of several months, where he was engaged in carving a church interior 
at Hamburg. He is mentioned in directories as "furniture repairer." 
He seemed skillful in many occupations, factory operative, wood-carving, 
market-gardener, etc. His children were: Herman (1); Augusta Anna 
(2) ; Theodore (8) ; Oscar (4) ; a daughter (5) died young, named for her 
mother, Florentina. She was "laid to rest" in the yard. Mr. Ockles and 
family moved to Delaware, 1906. The place is the property of Maria 
L. Hotchkiss, widow of Alfred C, at Stafford Ave., above Maltby St. 

Asahel Mix, son of Ashbel and Hannah (Byington) Mix, bom Nov. 
12, 1795, built the house near the junction of Mix and Maltby Streets 
(No. 41). It was his home 40 years. He left it for use of his second 
wife, who became Mrs. W. C. Bramhall. It was her home until the 
family went to the Wellington Winston house as stated. The records 
of the children of Asahel and Amna (Judd) Mix, bom at the Ashbel Mix 
house on Jerome Ave., previous to the building of No. 41, are here given. 

Asahel Mix, born Nov. 12, 1795; married Jan. 13, 1820, Amna 
Judd of Avon, b. July 2, 1795. Asahel Mix died 1878, aged 83. Amna 
(Judd) Mix died 1874, aged 79. 

Cvnthia (1), b. March 12, 1821; married March 25, 1840, Ephraim 
Scovel Maltby. She died April 13, 1865. 

Alonzo (2), b. Sept. 20, 1822; not married. Resides 91 Summer St. 

Asahel Judd (3). b. Julv 9, 1824; married Ann E. Palmer, Feb. 12, 
1855. 

Mary EHzabeth (4), b. Sept. 6, 1827; married July 20, 1844, James 
R. Mills. Died in Wisconsin, Dec. 8, 1865. 

Lvman H. (5), b. July 5, 1829; died Oct. 9, 1831. 

Nancy A. (6), b. Julv 1, 1831; married Sept. 4, 1849, Benaiah 
Hitchcock. She died Nov. "30, 1906. 

Ellen (7), b. Sept. 3, 1834; died April 2, 1856. 

Eniily (8), b. August 13, 1837; died Feb. 27, 1839. 

Asahel Mix was an honest, energetic, business man of the district 
of "marked individuality." He united in 1816 with the Congregational 
Church, was later a Mil'lerite and still later advocated some of the pre- 
cepts of the Hebrew, in observance of the Seventh Day as his Sabbath, 
and the avoidance of the use of pork as food. Returning to Edgewood 
St., the house on the south side near Jerome Ave. (No. 42), was built 
in 1843, by William Brown Carpenter, who came to Bristol when about 
21 years of age. His native place was that part of Massachusetts which 
became Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in the final adjustment of boundaries 
between the States. The family name of Carpenter is frequent in that 
vicinity. Copies of "armorial bearings" or coat of arms, as granted 
to one'Wm. B. Carpenter and recorded 1663 at Herald's Col., London, 
Eng., may be found on tombstones in an old cemetery at Rohoboth, 
Mass. He was at first engaged in the cabinet business of this place — an 
industry of short duration. Then, in company with Benjamin Ray, 
niaking clock cases at Pierce's Bridge vmtil the burning of that factory. 
He had charge of the case department of the Bartholomew clock makifig 
enterprise before 1840. Was captain of the popular military organiza- 
tion of "Bristol Blues," of which Richard Yale was druminer. The 
appointment of District School Clerk given him, 1849, was continued 
to the time of his death in the spring 1855, when David S. Miller was 
his successor. He resided before the building of his own hovise at the 
old home of Henry A. W^arner on the same street, where two of his chil- 
dren were born. 

Wm. B. Carpenter married Henrietta, daughter of Joseph and 
Almenia (Rich) Ives. Their children: Marietta A. (1), Henrietta E. 
(2), William B., Jr. (3). Mrs. Henrietta (Ives) Carpenter died June, 
1851. Several families hved for a time in the Carpenter house before 
the son, Wm. B., Jr., became sole owner of the homestead. One of them, 
Oliver A. Beckwith, who was in Bristol, 1851, and in the church at that 
time. He had a position in store at the Copper Mines when resident 
of District No. 9. 



262 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Sarah J. (Thompson), wife of Ohver Beckwith, b. 1823; died Jan. 
1891, age 67. Ohver Allvn Beckwith resides (1907), at UnionviUe, 
Conn. Children: Corinne^l), 1853; died July, 1902 (Mrs. J. H. Bid- 
well of Colhnsville). Ohver A., Jr. (2), 1857; resident of Unionville, 
Conn. Marian Amv (3), 1858; died in childhood. [Data furnished by 
Oliver Russell Beckwith, Windsor, Conn., grandson of Oliver A., son of 
Oliver A., Jr.)] 

James E. Ladd, who married Henrietta E., second child of Wm. B. 
and Henrietta (Ives) Carpenter, made this place their home until their 
removal to Bristol Center, about 1868. Their oldest child, Henrietta, 
called Hetty, died Jan. 8, 1865, nearly nine years of age; second child, 
Wyllys Carpenter; third child, Herbert Ives, was born in Bristol Center. 

Wm. B. Carpenter, Jr., and wife, Fanny (Parsons) Carpenter, then 
resided at the home. They now are residents of New Britain. The 
firm of Warner, Carpenter & Alpress (A. H. Warner, Wm. B. Carpenter 




LUCIUS S. BELDEN. 



and Charles Alpress), were then doing a wood turning business in the 
old "grinding shop" on the "new road." The business was eventually 
sold to Mr. "Warner, and the house to Clarence Muzzy, who did not 
occupy it but sold to the present owner. 

Wyllys Carpenter Ladd, b. July 6, 1858; married Oct. 8, 1890, 
Edith Irene, daughter of AVallace and Eliza (Fuller) Barnes. He is a 
manufacturer of clock bells and light hardware on Wallace St., Bristol. 
Herbert Ives Ladd is commercial salesman, with home 83 Bellvue Ave. 

Lucius Samuel Belden, son of Leroy and Catharine (Sessions) 
Belden, bought the house in 1875. He was born Sept. 26, 1843; married 
Ann Ehza Curtiss, datighter of Philo and Charlotte M. Curtiss. They 
have one davighter, born in Waterbury, Jan. 17, 1871. They reside at 
the place at present (1907). L. S. Belden is in the employ of Horton 
Mfg. Co. 

House (No. 43)'^^built'in 1864-5 Occupied in the spring of 1865 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE." 263 

Ijy the owner, Harry Shelton Bartholomew, son of George \V. and Ano-e- 
Hne (Ives) Bartholomew. He was born March 14, 1S32; married June 
20, 1860, Sabra, daughter of Joseph Samuel and Rosetta (Fenn) Peck, 
b., May 15, 1837. He died in Pinehurst, N. C, Feb. 19, 1902, aged nearly 
70 years. After attendance at his home district school, he had for a 
time the advantage of instruction at the Farmington School for Boys, 
taught by the eminent instructor, Deacon Simeon Hart. During several 
j-ears of his father's stay in California, he cared for the mother and three 
younger children. When his father visited his family in 1851, he was 
pleased to return with him and spent nearly two years in visiting many 
locaHties, and in various occupations in California. Returning to Bristol 
he had mechanical instruction in Hartford and prepared for the manu- 
facture of hardware. The firm of G. W. & H. S. Bartholomew was formed 
1855, and used at first the little factory on "the new road," called the 
"grinding shop." It was the cutlery shop of former years. Later the 
business was transferred to the old clock factories where it continued 
till destroyed by lire in 1884. 

Children of Harry Shelton and Sabra P. Bartholomew were- Alice 
(1), Harry Ives (2), Joseph Peck (3). 

With the exception of one district school, Alice M. Bartholomew 
was educated entirely in private schools, with Prof. David N. Camp 
of New Britain, Rev. Charles V. Spear at Pittsfield, Mass., and Prof. 
Charles Bartlett ot the Mass. Normal Art School, Boston, supplemented 
by a tour of European Art Galleries. 

Harry Ives Bartholomew (2), Yale S. S., 1894, Ph. B. Mechanical 
and Construction Engineer, Portland Cement Works, Portland, Fremont 
Co., Colorado (1907). 

Joseph Peck Bartholomew (3), Worcester Polytechnic Institute, 
Worcester, Mass., 1899, S. B. Superintendent Bit Brace Department, 
"Stanley Rule & Level Co.," Bristol and New Britain (1907). 

Harry Shelton Bartholomew was clerk of School District No. 9 
45 years (1856-1901). He was one of the oldest directors in service 
of the National Bank at the time of his death, 1877-1902. He was 
deacon of Congregational Church for nineteen years and superintendent 
of its Sunday School twenty or more years, and many times served the 
church in other official capacity. 

At next number west (No. 44), the house built by George Welles 
Bartholomew, is now occupied by George S. Osborn. The building was 
done or completed 1835, William Darrow doing most of the labor by 
the day. The doors, pillars and outside carvings were done by his 
hand. It is estimated that he was employed about two years upon the 
done or completed 1835, Williams Darrow doing most of the labor by 
place. The outside work, fence, blinds, etc., being done after the family 
came there to reside from No. 55, on Jerome avenue. (The red dwelling- 
house of Asa Bartholomew that figured so prominently in the division 
of the school district.) 

George Welles, son of Asa and Charity (Shelton) Bartholomew, b. 
June 19, 1805, married Jan. 14, 1829, Angeline, daughter of Deacon 
Chas. G. and Parthenia (Rich) Ives, b. March 30, 1807, died March 13, 
Chas. G. and Parthenia (Rich) Ives, b. March 20, 1807, died March 13, 
Jan. 23, 1828. She had one daughter, Hettie Julia, b. May 17, 1856. 

Mrs. Julia (Cole) Bartholomew died May 2, 1896; 

George Welles Bartholomew died May 7, 1897. 

Children of George Welles and Angeline (Ives) Bartholomew: 

Harriet Ives (1), b. Feb. 8, 1830; died Oct. 16, 1837. 

Harrv Shelton (2), b. March 14, 1832; died Feb. 19, 1902. 

Frances Parthenia (3), b. Feb. 22, 1834; died Jan. 1, 1839. 

Marv EHzabeth (4), b. March 28, 1836; died Jan. 18, 1839. 

Jane' Estelle (5), b. March 28, 1840. 

Angeline (6), b. Dec. 22, 1843; died Aug. 28, 1893. 

Emily S. (7), b. Aug. 31, 1846; died Sept. 13, 1848. 

George Welles, Jr. (8), b. Aug. 24, 1848. 



264 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 



George Welles Bartholomew, Jr., married Oct. 18, 1876, Hettie 
Julia, daughter of Julia A. (Marvin) and Edwin Halsey Cole (first teacher 
of the High School Department in the Southside School House, Bristol). 
They reside in Denver, Colorado, and have had seven children. Five 
are living in the West. 

Angeline, 6th child of George and Angeline Ives Bartholomew, 
married Oct. 24, 1871, Samuel Harvey Marvin. She died in 1893, 
leaving two daughters, of Columbus, Ohio. Her son, Percy Clarence 
Marvin, died Dec. 22, 1890, aged 17 years. 

Mr. Bartholomew was engaged in a number of business enterprises 
In early manhood, chief of which was clock making, which he followed 
till about 1840. During his California life others were in occupancy 
and ownership of his hotne. After that time his associations were with 
his son, H. S. Bartholomew, until 1884, when he retired from business. 

The family resided in the next house west, built in 1843, by his 
father, Asa Bartholomew, but returned and spent nearly half a century 
in the home he built with so great care. He was Justice of the Peace 
about forty years. Selectman ten years. Judge of Probate, Senator and 
Representative several terms; a Democrat. The place was sold after 
his death to Wm. J. Holden, who was resident a few years, when he sold 
to the present owner, Geo. S. Osborn, who came to Bristol from Hart- 
ford. He has a daughter, Gladys. 

House (No. 45) built 1843 by Asa Bartholomew, Sr., on the site of 
David Steele's bam with basement, which Asa Bartholomew, Jr., utilized 
as a butchery and from which he sold :neat. The present barn of the 
place is on the site of David Steele's blacksmith shop. Tenants of that 
time, 1843, and near, were Lucas Barnes, later of Bristol Center. (One 
of his daughters born here.) Henry Blakesley and Leroy Belden when 
they came to the district, 1851. It was sold to Franklin Steele, 1854. 
His children were born here. Tenants of the double house of that time 
and near: A. H. Warner, of whose children, Fanny and Henry Douglas, 
it was the birthplace. Mr. Steele began housekeeping in the Mark 
Lewis house (No. 32). 



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MISS A. M. BAKTUULO.MKW 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 265 

Mr. Steele sold to George Tvirner, Sr., for the use of the Ryals family. 
Charles Keyes, present P. M. of Southington and Axel V. Jacobson, were 
residents at some time. The widow of John Conklin (Mrs. Mary Madden 
Conklin) next owned the property, where she lost by death, her son John. 
Of her estate the present owner, John August Peterson, purchased the 
place. 

John August Peterson, son of Peter J., came to America from 
Sweden, 1880. He married Anna Louise Peterson, sister to John and 
Adolf of Forestville, who died Nov., 1905. Children: Agnes (1), 
graduate B. H. S., and "Conn. Business College," Hartford, Ernest (2), 
and Oliver (3), who died aged one year. John August Peterson is em- 
ployed in the "S. R. & L. Company" Works of Edgewood. Also has a 
farm, in charge of son Ernest. 

The corner house (No. 46), junction of Warner and Edgewood 
streets, was built in ISIS by David Steele and Wm. Jerome, 3d. Louisa, 
oldest child of Wm. Jerome, 3d, was born at this place. The Jerome 
family soon removed to District No. 8 for a residence of few years. Most 
of David Steele's children were born in this house; Jane, only, at the 
Mark Lewis honie, where they later removed. The place was sold to 
George W. Bartholomew, who made it the boarding place for his em- 
ployees in the clock business. It was kept at one time by John Bacon, 
who afterward lived in Peaceable St., and was an honored member of 
the Prospect Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Incomplete list of families that have b'ved in the boarding hous^- 

Mr. Doolittle, 
Leroy Belden. 
Samuel Russell, 
Samuel Russell, 2d, 
Geo. Bartholomew, 
L^riah Russell, 
Fred Russell, 
Almeron Pond, 
Mrs. Emma Downs, 
Peter Diefendorf, 
Charles Keyes, 
Wm. Hart, 
Edward Porter, Sr., 
James Hodges, 
Charles Justin, 
Wm. Griffin, 
James Ryals, 
John Carroll, 
George Turner, 
Patrick Deegan, 
Mr. McCloud, 
Thomas Lord, 
Charles Anderson. 
Herbert Loveland, 

Incomplete list of men who boarded in the Co. boarding house. 
1831 

Albro Alford, Allen Winston, 

1832 

W. B. Carpenter. 

1833 House kept by John Bacon. 
Mav 1st. 

' A. Alpress (Alvin), O. Weldon (Oliver), 

Wm. Courier, Henry Bancroft, 

Emery Moulthrop, Wm. Fancher, 

Nathan Wildman. 



1 


Wm. Jerome, Sr., 


24 


2 


David Steele, 


25 


3 


Elijah Williams, 


26 




with three brothers. 


27 


4 


Mr. Eustice, 


28 


5 


Mr. Glaston, 


29 


6 


Mr. Erie, 


30 


7 


"Sher" Lewis, 


31 


S 


Warner Maclntire, 


32 


9 


James Mills, 


33 


10 


Mr. Sanford, 


34 


11 


Major Case, 


35 


12 


Ai Bunnell, 


36 


13 


Nathaniel Cramer, 


37 


14 


Mr. Gilbert, 


38 


15 


Henry Warner, 


39 


16 


Eli Byington, 


40 


17 


Isaac Graham, 


41 


IS 


Porter Warner, 


42 


19 


Mr. Marsh, 


43 


20 


David Clark, 


44 


21 


John Bacon, 


46 


oo 


Jeduthan Clark, 


47 


23 


Horace Miller, 


48 



266 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



1835 House kept by JeduthanXlark. 
Jan. 1st. 

Wm. B. Carpenter, 

Ephraim McEwin, 

Harry Thompson, 

Sherman Barnes, 

Joseph Thompson, 

T. B. Kibby, 

S. Smith, 

H. H. Newcomb, 

R. Johnson, 

Luther Carter, 

Lucas Barnes, 

Gad Roberts, 
1847 House again kept by John Bacon. 

Alexander Graham, 

Richard Sansome, 

Patrick Fox, 

James Creighton, 

E. Woodruff, 

Olnv, 



Harman Stedman, 
David B. Clark, 
Benjamin Barnes, 
Sylvester Lyman, 
O. P. Mc Kinney, 
Geo. Alpress, 
W. W. Wintenbury, 
Wellington Winston, 
J. Breakenridge, 
Wm. Carter, 
Timothy Bradley, 
Isaac Muzzy. 

Monroe Barnes, 
Amasen Smith, 
E. L. Welton, 
George Nichols, 
Isaac Graham, 
Enos Hart, 
Nathan Wildman, 
Richard Yale. 



Ara Hawley, 

John Rudd, 

Orrin Thompson. 
The house changed owners and shared the fortunes of other Barthol- 
omew property. It came again to them in the purchase of the factory 
property from the Hotchkiss Brothers of New Haven, by the G. W. & 
H. S. Bartholomew Co., about 1860. At the retirement of G. W. Bar- 
tholomew from business in 1884, it was bought by Harry S. Bartholomew, 
whose daughter purchased the old house, in which she is fitting rooms 
as a "Studio" for her pleasure in art work. An addition reaching east- 
erly was built after 1818 in which now resides Chas. Anderson, wife and 
daughter Ebba. He is employed by the "Stanley R. & L.Co.," Edgewood. 




'the ni'MPl-IXG," SOUTH OF B.^KTHOI.OMEW F.ACTOKV 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 267 

Lauren, son of Martin and Amy Manross Byington, born 1797, 
married first Honor Graham. They had no children, but were guardians 
to the minor sons of Isaac Graham, Sr. EHsha Hotchkiss, Jr., also 
was a guardian to some of them, 1829. Lauren Byington married 
second Julia Philena, daughter of Martin Hart. She built the home 
(No. 47) in which they resided west of the home of the father, Martin 
Byington. Her father, Martin Hart, spent his declining years at this 
house, where he died 1860, age 77. Mrs. Julia P. (Hart) Byington died 
about 1862. 

Lauren Byington married third Mrs. Eliza F. (Colvin). Mr. Lauren 
Byington united with the church with his third wife in 1871. He was 
the third husband of his last wife. The first left a son, Wm. Nichols. 
who made Edgewood his home. Mrs. Byington had other sons, Frank 
(1), Fred (2) and Eugene Colvin (3), possibly others. Lauren Byington 
died 1889, age 92. He was a farmer. Mrs. Eliza Byington resides 
in Avon (1907). 

The place was next owned by Warren Smith (unmarried), who 
provides a home for his aged parents, Benjamin F. Smith and wife. 
The father is feeble and blind, Seymour Reed, son-in-law (of B. F. 
Smith), also resides with them. He is R. F. D. carrier, Rovite No. 1. 
the first route in the County of Hartford. Children of Seymour and 
Viola (Smith) Reed: William (1), Arthur (2), Joseph (3), Rollin (4), 
Ruby (5). 

Martin Byington, fourth son of Joseph, Sr., and Hannah (Spencer) 
Bvington, born 1767, married Amy, daughter of Deacon Elisha Manross, 
of Forestville, sister to Ruth, wife of Noah Byington. His home (No. 
48), opposite the "gristmill," where Bartholomew Factory now stands, 
was on the steep part of the bank with a fight of wide and long stone 
, steps or terraces leading to the house. Lauren Byington, the only son, 
ived here with his mother after the death of his father, Martin Bying- 
ton in 1821, aged 54, till marriage to second wife, Julia P. (Hart) Bying- 
ton, and the new residence. Martin Byington had been owner with 
Isaac Graham, Sr., in the gristmill and manufacturing of framed mirrors, 
some of which can be seen in Edgewood houses. Their factory was 
in No. 8, where George Turner, Jr., is doing business, in 1907. Chil- 
dren of Martin and Amy (Manross) Byington: Lauren (1); Rowena 
(2), who married William Curtiss [Angeline (1), Almira (2), Wm., Jr. 
(S)]. William and Rowena (Byington) Curtiss resided in the old house 
after Lauren occupied the new one. Williams Byington also made it 
his home and a Mr. Atwood. 

Asahel Mix bought the old house. He carried it to some of his own 
land on the hill northwest from its former site, reconstructed it and 
sold, with the land, to John Conklin, who made it his home. (No. 49). 

It is thought Mr. Conklin was employed at the copper mine in his first 
years of life here. He was certainly in the employ of the Ingraham's 
Clock Co. several years before he enlisted in the Twenty-fifth Regiment 
for the Civil War.' He died of consumption. The children of John and 
Mary (Madden) Conkhn were: Daniel (1), John (2), William (3); a 
daughter (4), who died before her father, at the house on the hill. 

Later Mrs. Conklin bought a place on Edgewood St., as has been 
stated, where her son John died and was interred at New Britain. Mrs. 
Marv (Madden) Coughlin died at the home of her son Daniel, in Bristol 
(North Side), Aug. 28, 1896, age 60. The son William died later. The 
children have now all "passed away," but grandchildren are residing in 
the town. The name of John Coughlin is very familiar to residents of 
No. 9, in notes from the baseball field. 

The home of Moses Pickingham (No. 50), at the south end of the 
old abandoned road, comes next in course of record. The name slightly 
shortened since the deed of 1828, to Peckham, is known to belong to his 
descendants, residents of Bristol on Wolcott Road. Moses Peckham! 
married Thankful Gaylord, March 26, 1823. Moses Peckham had a 



268 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



son, who was schoolmate of Samuel, oldest son of David Steele, and 
Wm. Jerome, 4th, at the old schoolhouse near Noah Byington's home. 

This house was rented to several families before its purchase by 
Henry A. Warner, one of which was Selah Steele, Jr., from New Britain, 
whose first wife was Phebe Baldwin, of Phineas, of Milford, Conn. Their 
onlv child, Harvey Baldwin, bom Feb. 23, 1827, was playmate of the 
children of District No. 9. He was in 1862, Dr. Harvey' B. Steele, a 
celebrated physician of West Winsted, Conn. He married 1861, Mary 
Mather of West Winsted. It is said Selah Steele also resided a while 
in the Wm. Jerome, first, house. Wm. B. Carpenter lived some years 
in the Peckham house. It was the birthplace of some of his children. 

Henry A. Warner was born in Plymouth, Conn., 1814. His father's 
family moved to New Hartford when he was 9 years of age, or in 1823. 
He worked at clock making in Hotchkissville for a time ; came to Bristol 
for a year or two and returned to his home in Plymouth Hollow, now 
Thomaston. He married in 1835, Miss Eliza Roberts, daughter of John 
of Burlington. Two years later he came to the place (District No. 9, 
Bristol), which was his home residence till his death, which occurred 
May 27, 1890. 

His wife died in 1859. Children of Henry A. and EHza (Roberts) 
Warner were: Augustus H. (1), b. 1838; Sarah (2). The first home 
was in the "Boarding House" (so-called), where the son was born. 




(1) No. 53, Mrs. S. E. Curtiss O, The Pliilo and Andrew Cnrtiss 
Places; (2) No. 42, Luther S. Belden O, The Wm. B. Carpenter Place; 
(3) No. 43. Mrs. H. S. Bartholomew O; (4) No. 52, Mrs. J. E. Russell O, 
The Jeremiah Stever Place; (5) No. 51, Franklin Steele O, The Allen 
Winston Place; (6) No. 44, George E. Osborne O, The George W. Bar- 
tholomew Place; (7) No. 50, Mrs. Sarah Weed O, The Moses Pickingham 
Place; (8) No. 45, August Peterson O, The Asa Bartholomew Place, 
(9) Miss A. M. Bartholomew's Studio, Chas. F. Anderson R, The Wm 
Jerome (jd) and David Steele Place. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE " 269 

Mr. Warner purchased the Peckham place and Hved in the house 
some years. About 1860, he built the present home, on the site of Moses 
Peckh'am's house. The old house was divided. The better portion 
used in the rear of the new dwelling forming an L. The remainder con- 
stitutes the shed attached to barn of the place at present. Henry A. 
Warner married second, 186.5, Mrs. Jane (Clark) Butler, daughter of 
Gordon. She died in Hartford, date May 14, 1896. Mr. Warner was 
engaged most of his business life in the wood-turning business. In 
1854, formed a partnership with John H. Sessions, turning knobs and 
job turning. The hmi of Warner & Sessions continued until 1865, when 
he sold his interest to Mr. Sessions. Mr. Warner bought a Dunbar 
factory, where he made travelling bag frames a short time, which was 
sold to Turner & Clayton. The following autimm he bought the in- 
terest of C. H. Alpress in the wood-turning company of Alpress & Car- 
penter, of which his son, A. H. Warner, was a partner. The firm name 
continued, x\lpress, Carpenter & Co., but a few months, when Mr. W^arner 
and his son bought the whole business, which was continued till his 
demise as H. A. & A. H. Warner. 

Mrs. Sarah (Warner) Weed, daughter of Henry A. and widow of 
Julius, of Hartford, Conn., now owns the place, where she spends the 
summer months. 

Allen Winston, 9th child of John and Sarah (Bartholomew) Winston, 
b. 1808, died Oct. 25, 1848, age" 40; married Eunecia Foote of Burling- 
ton, Conn., b. Aug. 25, 1812, died when in Virginia with her daughter 
Helen. Children were Helen (1), b. 1834, who married Sept. 4, 1850, 
in Bristol, Conn., her cousin Granville Winston of Lynchburg, Va.; 
Dwight (2), b. about 1837, went to California. Allen Winston built 
the house numbered 51 in 1833. He was a farmer, and also a manu- 
facturer early in the history of the village. Strav papers and accounts 
of the late G. W. Bartholomew note the firm "Winston, Hale & Carpen- 
ter," probably of short duration. The barn first bviilt by Allen Winston 
not meeting his requirements as to size, was changed into a dwelling 
and located at No. 53 of the Map. It was replaced with a larger one 
to which Alanson Winston, nephew of Allen, added the shed, all now 
standing. 

Alanson Winston was next occupant and owner of the Allen Winston 
house. With his brother Wellington they were woodturning manu- 
facturers of knobs, door stops, etc., for about five years, during which 
time Alanson lived at this house. Frank Winston was bom at this 
place. They returned at the close of the business to the old Wm. Jerome 
1st house, the property of Mrs. Maria (Bartholomew) Winston, wife of 
Alanson. 

David Miller was next owner, who sold to J. H. Sessions, who lived 
there 1855 to 1869. During the time of his residence the "Warner & 
Sessions" firm were doing a prosperous business, following the Winstons, 
by whom Mr. Sessions and A. H. Warner had been employed. T-ater 
Mr. Sessions owned it all, and built a factory on the site of the Byington 
& Graham shop in District No. 8, which was used after he removed to 
the center of the town by George Turner, Sr. It was burned 1884. 

Tohn Humphrey Sessions, son of Calvin, born in Burlington, Conn,, 
March 17, 1828, married Emilv Bunnell, daughter of Allen and Rhoda 
(Atwater) Bunnell, b. Jan. 30', 1828. Children born at this place are 
John H. (1), (deceased), Caroline (2) [Mrs. George W. Neubauer]; 
William Edwin (3), who was twelve years of age, when the family moved 
to Bristol Center, 1869. Mr. Sessions sold the residence to Edward 
Alpress who m.arried Sarah Root (dec). He sold to Frankhn Steele, 
the present owner, in Feb., 1871. Edward Alpress now resides in New 
Britain, Conn. He married second, Mrs. Adelaide (Tolles) Porter, 
b. Dec. 25, 1883, widow of Geo. Henry Porter, who died 1882. [Son 
Henry Tolles Alpress, b. Feb. 4, 1889.] 

The present owner, Franklin Steele, son of David and Nancy (Wil- 
cox) Steele, b. May 27, 1829, married Nov. l'4, 1852, Caroline Bunnell, 



270 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



b. Jan. 13, 1827, daughter of Allen and Rhoda (Atwater) Bunnell, who 
died Dec. 9, 1898. Children, Frank W. Steele (1), died age 2}4 years; 
Samuel Wilcox Steele (2), sexton of the West Cemetery, Bristol; Frank- 
lin William Steele (3), died aged 16 years; Thomas Bunnell Steele (4), 
resides at Bristol Center; twins. Sterling James Steele (o), died Jan. 19, 
1889, and Estella Jane Steele (6), resides Edgewood. 

Franklin Steele, who has spent his active life in the factories of his 
brother-in-law and sons, John H. Sessions, retired sonie years since. 
He is undoubtedly the only person, whose birthplace was District Xo. 
9, who has lived continuously within its limits to the age of 78 years. 
He is engaged at his convenience or pleasure in agriculture. 

The house (No. 52), now owned by Mrs. Jane E. Russell, east of 
Franklin Steele, was built by Jeremiah Stever about 1850. He was 
formerly one of the firm of Stever & Bryant, Clock Makers of Whigville. 
Jeremiah Stever, married first Mary Welton of Waterbury. She died 
in Whigville, leaving one daughter named Mary. Mary Stever married 
first Samuel Beckwith of Canton, brother of Ohver A. Beckwith. Samuel 
Beckwith died in a few years, when she married John Carroll (dec). 
[Two daughters, Sarah Carroll, a teacher, Grace Carroll, stenographer.] 
Mrs. Carroll resides on Woodland, St., Bristol. Mr. Stever married 
second Jane Smith of Derby, Conn., who died 1873. Children of Jere- 
miah and Jane (Smith) Stever: Helen (1); Charles (2). Helen Stever 
married Reuben Frost of Marion, Southington, Conn, (one daughter, 

Helen, married Beckley). Charles Stever resides in California. 

He has a family. Mr. Stever married third, Louisa, daughter of Wm. 
Smith, cousin of the second wife. She died in a few years, when Mr. 

Stever married fourth (name unknown). There was one or more 

children in this family, when the parents died in one week of pneumonia. 

Edward Graham, who married Caroline Hart, daughter of Adna 
lived in this house at one time. Children, W^illiam H. (1); Lucelia (2); 




THE GEORGE W. B.-VRTIIOI-OME W IM-AC^K, FROM .\X OI.D IMIOTOGR.XPH 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



271 



Ida (3) [Mrs. H. E. Butler, 7!> Summer St., Bristol]. The place was 
purchased by Uriah Russell, 1876. He married Jane E. Bartholomew, 
daughter of Geo. W., b. March 28, 1840. Uriah Russell was born March 
211, 1831, died Sept. 21, 1S91, aged 60, after along illness. Four children. 

Fred Warren (1), b. Nov. 22, 1862, married Nov. 18, 1885, Mar- 
garet Sullivan, b. April 10, 1866, Children [Marguerite (I), (dec); 
Fred Ives (2); Elsie (3); Faye (4)]. 

Herbert Archer (2), b. April 23. 1866, died April 16, 1869, age 3 years. 

Grace Edna (3), b. Jan. 7, 1868, married Oct. 23, 1895, Mortimer 
Cole Keeler, b. Aug. 10, 1868; four sons, Robert Russell Keeler, b. Aug. 
22, 1898; Raymond Mortimer Keeler (2), b. 1902; Irving Welles (3), b. 
May 25, 1904'; Harvey Hickok Keeler (4), Oct. 24, 1906. 

Helen Louise Russell (4), b. July 28, 1872, married June 14, 1899, 
Elbert Elmer Smith, b. Dec. 30, 18(i0. One son, Russell Robbins, b. 
1905. 




H. CARl'ii.XTER, JR.. (A I .\ () . 42j. 



Uriah Russell, whose family settled in Andover and Boston, came 
from Mass., to Bristol, Conn., to engage with Jeremiah Stever and Julian 
Pomeroy in making "old-time" sewing machines. J. Stever was an 
/ngenious man, who secured many profitable patents. One of his inven- 
tions was a precursor of the bicycle and tricycle, but not developed at 
Byington & Graham's factor^^ 

Philo Curtiss, son of Joshua of Burlington, married Sept. 3, 1829, 
Charlotte Curtiss, daughter of Aaron Curtiss of Burlington, (?onn. Their 
children were Lucius (1); Jonas (2); George (3); Edwin (4); Ellen (5); 
Laura (6); Andrew (7); Ann Eliza (8); Emma (9). The residence was 
the first house (No. 53) east of Jeremiah Stever's home. For a few 
years, Mr. Curtiss, with his brother, Simeon Curtiss lived on the Martin 
Hart farm (No. 26). During Philo Curtiss' absence, Isaac Graham, 
Jr., occupied the house at this place (No. 53), in 1860 and after. They 
removed later to Hiram Norton's house on Mines Road (No. 2). Isaac 
Graham married Lucy, daughter of Henry Hotchkiss of Burlington, 



272 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Lucy (Hotchkiss) Graham died of cancer at the Hiram Norton place. 
Isaac and Lucy (Hotchkiss) Graham had children, Alexander (1) ; Lauren 
(2) and others. 

Philo Curtis resumed his residence at this place, where he lived 
till his death, June 10, 1875. 

Mrs. Charlotte Curtiss died Oct. 27, 1883 at her daughter Emma's 
[Mrs. Downs] in Waterbury. 

Andrew Jackson Curtiss, b. Oct. 26, 1844, married Jan 1, 1873, at 
Troy, Penn., Sarah Elizabeth Ayers, b. July 14, 1843. One daughter, 
Miriam Curtiss, b. Oct. 25, 1873, married Dec. 2, 1903, E. Samuel Gil- 
lette, b. Oct. 21, 1874. Andrew J. Curtiss built a house on the site of 
his father's, 1892, occupied October of same year. He died Jan. 27, 
1907, as the result of a fall some years before. Emma J., youngest child 
of Philo and Charlotte Curtiss married first George N. Downs, May 14, 
1872; married second Charles H. Monroe, Dec. 6, 1898, and resides at 
Mill Plain, Waterbury, Conn. Children, Edith A. Downs (1), b. Aug. 
2, 1877 (dec.); Harry C. Downs (2), b. Dec. 8, 1883, resides in Bristol 
(married); Paul A. Downs (3), b. March 4, 1891, Waterbury, Conn. 

The schoolhouse (No. 54), built when District No. 9 was formed in 
1833, is east of the Andrew J. Curtiss residence. Asahel Mix was ap- 
pointed Committee of District No. 7, after the division in 1833, the 
former Committee Samviel Pardee being resident south of the "red dwelling 
house of Asa Bartholomew" was not available for No. 7. David Steele, 
first School Committee of No. 9, provided for the school its first instructor, 
David Alford. 

Franklin Steele of David, began at this time his school-education. 
Other early teachers were Benjamin F. Hawley, one of whose pupils 
was Harry S. Bartholomew. 

Miss Louisa Jerome (Mrs. Blood) has the distinction of first sum- 
moning the pupils to study, or opening of school by using, instead of a 
stick or ruler, a bell. In 1837, Miss Almira E. Peck, daughter of J. S. 
Peck, of Whigville was teacher. During the term the "inocculation" for 
of Whigville was teacher. During the tenn the "inocculation" for 
prevention of smallpox was performed by Dr. Camp, for the school. It 
was in the early years of this shool that Wm. Jerome, fourth of the name, 
carried live coals between two pieces of board from his home to knidle 
the schoolhouse fire. When they caught fire, causing a blaze, he some- 
tiines ran backward to prevent burning his face. Matches were invented 
but the use of them was not familiar. People were suspicious and afraid' 
of them. 

It would be possible, if best, to present the long list of teachers 
to 1907. The mention of a few will suffice. Harriet Moses, 1859. 
Lizzie Welch, 1860, Rev. Mr. Seeley, Visiting Committee. The schools 
have at this date changed from the simple study of the three R's to the 
following curriculum: Reading (1), Spelling (2), Geography (3), Gram- 
mar (4), Arithmetic (5), Algebra (6), History (7), Philosophy (8), Latin 
(9), Composition (10). (Penmanship not mentioned.) Average attend- 
ance, eight pupils. (Miss Welch now Mrs. Bevin of East Hampton, 
Conn.) vSchool taught 1868, by Laura M. Curtiss, number of pupils, 
33. (Miss Curtiss now Mrs. Orlando Sheldon of New Britain.) In 1871 
taught by Marietta Carpenter of Edgewood, number of pupils, 32. 
Mrs. Rosie E. Barnes taught the years Oct. 14, 1872-Dec. 15, 1873. 
In 1882, Miss S. E. Hewlett. The Visitor's report contained the fol- 
lowing: "The record shows this to be the banner school of the town 
in point of regular attendance the per cent, for the year being 96.01. 
Though a small school, still the material is not wanting here on the part 
of the pupils to niake it the banner school in other respects." 

1885 the Visitor reports: "The Visitor, the teacher and the scholars 
are very much gratified by the new desks: This is another of our schools 
where there is no room for criticism and no opportunity for aught ex- 
cept commendation. The point especially to be noted is, perhaps, 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



27; 



the pervasion of a 
school." 



:;entle and what may be called family spirit in the 



The desks of the schoolhouse were made purposely rather high 
for the acommodation of adults at evening meetings, etc. Mr. J. J. 
Jennings declaring it was not a house of public worship and that the 
arrangement was injurious to the health of the young, at last secured 
the proper seats for a schoolroom, if not for a prayer meeting or singing 
school. 

From about this time, 1885, there have been but three teachers. 
Pupils were taught about ten years by Mrs. R. E. Robotham and Miss 
Minnie Moor about the same length of time. Miss Bartlett has filled 
out the remainder of the years until 1907. Mrs. Robotham died at her 
hoine in Northampton, Mass., Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) 1903. Her 
daughter, Georgia I., is a teacher at the Willimantic High School, Wind- 
ham Co., Conn. That the schoolhouse of District No. 9 served the 
purposes of a Village Hall, Lyceum, Religious Chapel, etc., may be shown 
in part by the following: 

ITEM FROM THE BRISTOL PRESS. 

Dec. 31, 1891. 

"The thirty-fourth annual New Year's meeting will be held in the 
'No. 9' schoolhouse tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock. 

There will be present the following named ministers, who have been 
stationed in Bristol since these meetings were first established: 

Rev. John Simpson, now of Plainville, who will preach the sermon, 
as he has done every year bvit one, when called to attend the funeral of 
a parishoner. 

Rev. Charles H. Buck, of Brooklvn. 

Rev. C. E. Miller, of Brooklyn. 

Rev. Geo. L. Thompson, of New York City. 

Rev. A. C. Eggleston, of Waterburv. 

Rev. A. H. Wvatt. pf Bristol. 




AXDREW J. CURTISS (XO. 53). 



AUGUSTUS II. WARNER (.\0. 55). 



274 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Some of the ministers with their families will be the guests of Mr. 
Sessions for two or three days and tomorrow will start at one o'clock 
from his house to the meeting. 

One 'buss will take M. H. Perkins and the old choir, of which he 
was leader for a number of years, and two 'busses will be required for 
the ministers and their families and Mr. Sessions and his family, who 
will go with him. 

On New Year's day thirty-four years since, following a revival of 
great interest, a number of residents near gathered in the little school- 
house, and voted to meet there annually for religious services, and that 
Rev. Mr. Simpson be the preacher so long as he was within one hundred 
miles, and with the exception noted he has been the preacher all these 
years. 

Rev. Arza Hill, a much beloved minister, will be missed this year, 
he having died last April. 

Another familiar face no more to be seen is that of Mrs. Catherine 
Belden, who died during the summer. 

At five o'clock the annual New Year's dinner will be served in the 
ample dining room of Mr. Sessions on High street." 

There were forty meetings held in all. Mr. Simpson's death occurred 
suddenly on the 13th of February, after the fortieth meeting. They 
were then discontinued. 

The "red dwelling-house (No. 55) of Asa Bartholomew" would 
hardly be recognized by former residents, clothed as it is in a dress of 
delicate gray. It once belonged to Asa Austin Upson, and was a part 
of his "east farm." At his death in 1807, this portion of his estate 
was alloted to his sister, Sophia Upson. The deed of 1815 of a piece of 
land belonging to the farm was signed in Bristol by Philip and Sophia 
(Upson) Barnes. In 1828, when ninety acres were deeded with a house 
and shed comprising the whole of the "so-called" "east farm" Philip 
Barnes and wife were residents of Athens, Georgia. It is not known 
that Asa Bartholomew resided there. He was well established at the 
house of William Jerome, 2nd, south. His son, George Welles, who 
married Jan. 14, 1829, Angeline Ives, daughter of Dea. Charles, lived 
there in early married life. It is the birthplace of their son, Henry 
Shelton Bartholomew, born in 1832. Afterward Mrs. Paulina (Bar- 
tholomew) Alpress had a home in the house many years. The size 
of the dwelling allowed the occupancy of two families at the same time, 
which was a frequent arrangement. 

Early families known to have lived at the place are James Hall, 
who had three sons, one born before 182'J, and two later, Edward Hall, 
etc. Oliver Weldon, another tenant had a store in part of the house 
for a time. Eli Byington, father of Henry Newell Byington, also made 
it a home something more than fifty years since. The latter a resident 
of Walnut Grove, Minn., visited Bristol in recent years, with great 
enjoyment, returned to his family in Minnesota, where he died June 
17, 1906. He was born in Wrentham, Mass., and son of Eli of Joseph, 
Jr., of Joseph, Sr., Bristol, Conn. 

Paulina (Bartholomew) Alpress, b. June 18, 1809, married Sept. 
12, 1832, Alvin Ferry Alpress, b. June 2", 1806, and died Jan. 6, 1850. 
He was a "Forty-niner." He died while journej-ing for his health, at 
Honolulu, S. I., aged 44. Mrs. Paulina Alpress died Feb. 9, 1894, age 84. 

Children, Ellen Alpress (1), b. Dec. 11, 1833, died Jan. 13, 1839, 
age 5 vears; Charles H. Alpress (2), b. Dec. 31, 1835, died unmarried; 
Edward A. Alpress (3), b. May 1, 1840; George T. (4) b. julv 14, 1846; 
Alvin Ferry Alpress (5), b. Oct. 25, 1849, died Oct. 31, 1897, unmarried. 

George Theodore Alpre.ss, b. July 14, 1846, married Anna Bell of 
Defiance, O., Dec. 27, 1870, b. April 25, 1852. Her father, an architect, 
was killed bv Indians near Pikes Peak. Children of George T. and 
Anna B. Alpress, Gertrude (1), b. Oct. 30, 1871, married June 12, 1894, 
Edward Keyes Ives, b. Feb. 12, 1870, son of Byron and Aurelia (Jones) 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



275 



Ives; Harry Alpress (l'\ 1). March, ISTo. died IST-j; Charles Edward (3), 
b. Nov. 2, i-87S. 

Mrs. Paulina Alpress sold her house to Augustus H. Warner, the 
present occupant She purchased a home in Race St., Bristol, where 
she died. Augustus Henrv Warner, b. June 11, 1838, married Oct. G, 
1858, Eugenia Louisa Smith, b. Oct. 26, 1839, died Oct. 7, 1805. Married 
second Mary Elizabeth Siddell, b. July 18, 184(i. 

Children of first marriage, Fanny Eliza (1), b. Sept. 15, 1859, married 
Sept. 15, 1880, Wm. Goodale Hart, b. July 14, 1855. He is a mechanic 
and lives in Bristol. [Children, Maude Louisa (1), b. June 7, 1881. 
Einployed in office of American Silver Company, Bristol; Percival War- 
ner (2), b. Ttilv 7, 1884, employed as shipper by Coe Brass Co., Torring- 
ton, Conn.; Wesley Eugene (3), b. Feb. 28, 1887, died July 4, 1887; 
Ella Marion (4), b. Aug. 3, ISSS, employed in office of American Silver 
Company.] 

Henry Douglass (2), b. March 31, 1861, married March 5, 1895, 
Lucy Morgan Smith. One daughter [Grace Eugenia, b. March 13, 1901].. 

Children by second marriage. 

Eugenia Estelle (3), b. Aug. 8, 1868, married Charles Edward 
Dennis, Ph. D., Aug. 17, 1865. 

Anna Maria (4), b. Jan. 27, 1872, employed in office of Swift & 
Sons, Gold-beaters, Hartford, (.'onn. 

Bessie* Sarah Warner (5), b. May 26, 1871. Smith, 1905, A. B. 
Brown University, 1901, A. M. Teacher of Latin in Hope St. High 
School, Providence, R. L 

Edna Isabel (6), b. July 26, 1878. Brown, 1900, B. P. Married 
Lester B. Shippee, A. M.,'Aug. 2, 1905, Edna graduated at Whitmarsh 




SOME CH..\R1TY SHKLTOX S DISIIKS. 

"Turtle" shaped teapot, belonging to Charity Shclton in 1801; 
bowl of her grandmo.ther's descending some generations; and cup and 
saucer from her early hcMiie. (hvned bv Miss A. M . Bartholomew. 



276 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




FRANKLIN STEELE. (aT NO 51) HENRY A. WARNER (AT NO. 50). 

Surgical Hospital, 1003. She was Sviperintendent there of nurses, one 
year. Augustus H. and Henry D. Warner (A. H. Warner & Co.) have 
a wood-turning business at Federal near North St., Bristol, Conn. 

Charles, son of Leroy and Catharine (Sessions) Belden, b. March 
5, 1854, married Harriet^ daughter of Henry C. Ruic. He built the 
house (No. 56) opposite A. H. Warner in 1882, making a barn for the 
place of the former home of Philo Curtiss. They have one son, Edward, 
born 1877, married June, 1900, Nelly, daughter of James and Rhoda 
(Porter) Hodges. They have two children [Clara Susanna Harriet 
(1)] [Charles Samuel Leroy (2) ]. Edward was graduated at the Bristol 
High School, pursued his studies at Wesleyan, Middletown, Conn., and 
Boston, Mass. A-Vas a member of New York East Conference of Metho- 
dist Episcopal Clergymen, 1903. Rev. Edward L. Belden is located 
(1907) at St. James and Lake Grove, Suffolk Co., Long Island. Charles 
L. Belden built a second dwelling-house at 50 Merriman St., Bristol, 
where he resides (1907). He is employed at Horton Mfg. Co. 

Carl Peter Peterson rented the Edgewood house a few years, boarding 
some of the employees of Stanley R. & L. Co. 

Ephraim McEwen was a resident of the Distric some years before 
building the house (No. 57) north of Charles Belden. He was first a 
tenant of "The Boarding House" so called possibly elsewhere. He 
built after the Carpenter House, which was in 1843. His children, whose 
a]iproximate dates of birth are given from School Register 1858-9, were 
Mary (1), 1845; David (2), 1847; Martha (3), 1854; Susan (4). The 
parents were "deaf mutes." The mother, "Harriet, wife of Ephraim 
McEwen," united with Congregational Church, March 13, 1S42. The 
family removed to Bridgeport, Conn. 

A family of Sullivans, also one of Owlds (Olds) had residence at 
the place before its purchase by Samuel Leroy Belden, who married 
Catherine Sessions, daughter of' Calvin. There was no barn on the 
premises, which were involved, and depreciated in value. Mr. Belden 
came to the village, 1851. He resided in the Alanson Winston house 
on Jerome Ave., at the double house No. 45, on Edgewood St., and 
possibly at "The Boarding House," when he removed to the house, 
where himself and wife spent the remainder of their lives. 

Mrs. Catharine (Sessions) Belden died Aug. 23, 1891. Samuel 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



277 



Leroy Belden died May 4, 1899. Children, two sons Lucius and Charles 
(data before given). The house was sold to Everett Barnes, who sold 
in a very few years to the present owner, John Muir, son of Henry, who 
also resides at this home. John Muir married Alice Linden Durward. 
Children, Ruth (1), aged 5 years; Donaldine (2), 1 year. Mr. John 
Muir employed Horton Mfg. Co. 

At this place (No. 58) there is no trace of a buildfng. Memories 
of an old well in the "plain lot," owned by John August Peterson are 
the only reminders of the facts, as learned from deeds of 1828, when 
one Isaac Gillett lived where the now "abandoned road" came out to 
Jerome avenue frona Moses Pickingham's dwelling southwest. There 
is a strong probability of this Isaac Gillett's identity with Isaac Gillet 
who formerly lived on the southern part of "Johnny Cake Mountain" 
in Burlington on a farm before owned by Edward Marks, an uncle of 
Esq. Wm. Marks. If proved, he had three daughters. The oldest 
married Rev. David Marks, third of the name, son of Esq. Wm. Marks, 
who died suddenly at the home of his son, Rev. David Marks, when 
stationed in New York City. The youngest daughter of Isaac Gillett, 
Rebecca, married Lucien Bunnell. 

In 1876, J. B. Ford purchased a small fann partly in District No. 
7, the remainder in No. 9, on which he built the ell of his present house 
(No. 59). Later he added on the south the Superintendent's house from 
the Copper Mine. Jerome Bonaparte, son of Omri C. of Somers, Conn., 
and Caroline Kent Ford, b. Oct. 5, 1845, in Collinsville or Burlington 
married June 17, 1866, Mary Jane Barclav, b. in Farmington, Conn., 
Dec. 18, 1848. Children: Roselia S. (1), b. July 2, 1867, died 1885 
interred in family cemetery, Burhngton, removed, 1906, to Forestville; 
MeUssa (2), b. Jan. 19, 1871, married Franklin E. Yale [one son, Alfred]; 
Anna Barclay (3), b. July 31, 1875, married Henry Yale, eight children. 
Mr. Ford has a Machine Factory at No. 63. 




DEACON CHARLES GRANDISON IVES DISHES. 

Pflip Glass of Deacon Ives; pewter and china from home of Deacon 
Ives; coffee urn of Angeline Ives Bartholomew. Owned by Miss A. M 
Bartholoiitcw. 



278 



BRISTOL, COXNECTICUT 



DIATOMS OF BRISTOL 



By Wm. a. Terry 

DIATOMS are very small, one celled organisms, which are among 
the primal forms of life, and have apparently existed with little 
or no change from the earliest appearance of life upon the earth. 
They are bivalves, with shells of glass instead of lime, held 
together by side hoops of the same material instead of hinges. For 
many years after their discovery they were supposed to be animals, 
chiefly because of their power of locomotion, a very large proportion 
of them being rapid travelers during their whole lives. Several eminent 
scientists still hold to this opinion, but they are now generally regarded 
as belonging to the vegetatale world. They vary greatly in size and 




WILLI. \M A TERRY. 



outline, and are elaborately ornamented with sculptured markings, alac , 
striae, costae, etc., many of them being among the most beautiful fonns 
in nature. Their shells being so largely silex they are comparatively 
indestructable, and where the conditions are favorable they often accurn- 
ulate in vast quantities. Nearly every permanent body of water, how- 
ever small, contains them in greater or less abundance; when this water 
disappears the diatoms are left as a fossil deposit. 

Quite a number of these deposits are found in Bristol. A little 
over the line west of the lower reservoir of the Bristol Water Company 
is one of these deposits; the stratum of diatoms is about two feet thick 
and covers one or two acres. It contains num.erous species, many of 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



279 



them large and interesting. When this reservoir was made another 
fossil deposit was removed. On the farm of Silas Carrington is another 
deposit notable for the abundance of Frustulia Saxonica, well-known 
as a test object for the microscope; its markings are so minute as to 
require high powers and perfect lenses to resolve them. On South 
Mountain, north of Cedar Swamp, is a deposit containing numerous 
species, and an abundance of remarkably spiny spiculae of fresh water 
sponges . 

On the Hubbard farm on Chippen's Hill is another deposit showing 
an abundance of the large form of Stauroneis acuta, w'hich should have a 
better name as it is not the same as the St. acuta of European writers. 
I do not find this variety shown in any European publication. On 
the Atwood farm on Peaceable Street is a small deposit. 

On the old Lazarus Hird fann is a deposit showing an abundance 
of the very rare Achnanthidium flexellum; and north of this on the 
Mix farm is perhaps the largest deposit in Bristol. It covers fifteen acres 
and perhaps more, and is of unknown depth. I have material brought 
up from a depth of 10 12 feet, showing seven feet thickness of diatoms 
to this point, which probably continues down several feet more, but 
we could get no farther down on account of the rapid inflow of water. 




SuRiELLA BisERiATA, Taconia, Wash. 
SuRiRELLA BiSERiATA, n .sp. Terry. Xavicula Maculata, 

Port Townsend, Wash . Mobile, Ala. 



28U BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

This deposit is remarkable as containing the beautiful little Cyclotella 
antiqua, which has never before been found in this country as far as I 
can ascertain. I have sent specimens to the most experienced collectors 
but none of them had ever seen it before. This Bristol fonn is more 
beautiful than any of the European specimens that I have seen. This 
deposit also contains the rare A. fiexellum, the very rare Navicula foUis, 
the rare Fragillaria Harrisonii, and others. 

At the old Tamarack Swamp on the head waters of the East Bristol 
Poland Brook, is a deposit -in which the diatomaceous stratum is two 
feet thick and covers several acres; this is also rich in species. There 
are more small deposits in town, and probably many others that have 
not yet been discovered. Of living diatoms many of the larger and most 
reinarkable of the fresh water species are found in Bristol. Those ponds 
that are swept by freshets seldom contain a large amount, but most 
others are rich. South Mountain Reservoir has abundance, of which 
very large specimens of Surirella biseriata are noticeable. 

On Bunnell's lot the boiling spring is full of filamentous varieties 
of many species, and ha^s also abundance of Fragillaria Harrisonii which 
is rare. Bunnell's Pond is rich; has many species of large surirella, 
of which Surirella cardinalis is interesting, as it is considered rare in 
many sections, though abundant in Bristol. Dunbar's Pond and Clay- 
ton's Pond show many species among them very numerous specimens of 
Cymbella cuspidata, which is remarkable as being of a decided green 
color, while other diatoms are a red brown color while living. 

Birge's Pond is particularly rich. Surirella elegans and S. splendida 
are very large and much elongated. S. cardinalis is very large and 
abundant. S. nobilis and S. robusta are plentiful. Abnonnal valves 
of these are numerous, two valves being grown together with a large 
corrugated opening in the center. Their great numbers seeming to show 
that this deformity was hereditary. Prof. Brun's new species, "Navicula 
peripunctata" is more numerous here than in Crane Pond, Mass., where 
it was first found. Spring's Pond has many species, the predominating 
one being a new Surirella, which is also abundant in the pond hole formed 
b}^ the elbow cut off from the river when the railroad company moved 
the highway east of the saw shop. Down's Pond also shows the new 
Surirella, together with many other species in great abundance, among 
them a small Stauroneis with exceedingly slender and sharp pointed 
euds, this is probably new, as I cannot find it described anywhere. 

The neiv Surirella is also abundant in Thompson's Pond, and in 
Allen's Pond in Stafford district. Outside of Bristol it appears in an 
ice pond east of Shuttle Meadow, New Britain, and in an ice pond at 
Leete's Island. So far it appears to be found only in Connecticut, and 
Bristol is its headquarters, it being abundant here in five different ponds. 
This new Surirella is about the size of S. gracilis, but has more rotmded 
ends, the cross bars reach the median line, and it is frequently much 
elongated, and has a distinct spiral twist. I sent a quantity of these to 
Dr.Ward, he sent out numerous slides of them labeled "Surirella Terryi, 
n. sp. Ward." 

Many of the small streams, ditches in marshes, and springy moun- 
tain rills are rich in diatoms. In a rill on Fall Mountain is a remarkable 
colony of the large Stauroneis acuta previously mentioned, with them 
is a new Stauroneis, one of the largest and quite peculiar. It is more 
cylindrical and elongated than any other stauroneis, and the upper 
valve has large saucer-shaped psuedo-nodules near each end. A'o other 
stauroneis has anything like this. The lower vah^e has no nodules. Dr. 
Ward also sent out slides of this labeled "Stauroneis Terryi, n. sp. Ward." 
Farther up the mountain Mr. Wm. C. Richards found a rill containing 
a notable colon}' of Navicula elliptica, very abundant, and much larger 
and heavier than those of the Connecticut shore. On Chipoin's Hil] 
is a small pond which contains Stauroneis Stodderii, which is quite rare 

All these fossil deposits, the ponds and streams mentioned, and 
many others, contain hundreds of species, a full description of which 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." ' 281 

would require a large volume; a mere list of their names would cover 
many pages. Very many of these are among the inost remarkable and 
beautiful of the fresh water varieties. The filamentous kinds are found 
nearly every where in Bristol, and the a^aecies are very numerous. They 
resemble the Algse, except that they are brown instead of green, and 
each joint or cell is an individual organisni with an independant life of 
its own. 




The Bristol Stauroneis. Stauroneis Terryi, n. sp. ward. 



282 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 







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Oh 
O 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



283 







$€ 



METHODISM is educational and evangelistic. Methodism is 
one of the largest branches of the universal Church of God. 
This religious body had a humble beginning in Bristol, but for 
a couple of decades at least, it has been one of the most power- 
ful factors in the progress of the place and the higher life of the people. 

The first sermon in Bristol by a Methodist preacher was delivered 




Rkv. Arthur H. Goodenough. 



in the old Baptist Church and was preached by Rev. Nathan Bangs, who 
later became president of Wesleyan University. His text was "But we 
desire to hear of thee wdiat thou thinkest; for as concerning this sect, it 
is know'n to us that it is everywhere spoken against." Occasional meet- 
ings w^ere held in the schoolhouse on West Street, and were frequently 
conducted by the traveling preachers from the Burlington Circuit. In 
the spring of lS3o the Bishop placed Rev. Albert G. Wickware in charge 



284 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT > 

His first important work was to organize a class, which, in those days 
was the foundation of every local church. The persons constituting the 
class, were Mrs. Hill Darrow, Mrs. Lord Hill, Leander Hungerford, Sid- 
ney Burwell and wife and Mrs. Polly E. Burwell. 

The formation of a church organization commenced in April, 1834. 
Tracy Peck, Justice of the Peace, issued a warrent authorizing Rev. Mr. 
Wickware and others who might be interested in the movement, to form 
themselves into a religious society to be known as the Methodist Epis- 
copal Society of Bristol, said organization to take place in the school- 
house, on West Street. This instrument was dated April 23, 1834, and 
was made returnable, with the indorsement of the doings of said meet- 
ing, to the Subscribing Authority. All recitiirements were promptly 
met. The first society had 27 members. The few energetic and devoted 
people resolved to build a church edifice. Steps were taken immediate- 
ly to secure a site for such building. This was found not to be an easy 
matter. The prejudice against the new sect was strong and persistent. 
The early Methodists had become accustomed to that kind of thing, but 
it only fanned their enthusiasm into mightier flame. Mr. Evits Hunger- 
ford and Mr. Philip Gaylord were the committee to purchase the neces- 
sary land. Mrs. Chloe Daniels was ready to sell. The committee has- 
tened to the resideijce of Justice Peck, found him at dinner; he was com- 
pelled to leave the table and execute the legal docviment of sale, for fear 
the enemies of the Society should upset the bargain. The structure was 
erected and dedicated within a year. People came to the services 
from fifteen miles around. 

The young society was served in turn by noble and faithful min- 
isters. The church multiplied and prospered. During the years 1857-8 
the pastor was Rev. John W. Simpson. During this period a revival 
commenced on Chippins Hill, extended to Polkville (Edgewood) and 
other places. Conversions were many. On New Year's Day, 1858, 
Mr. Simpson preached in the schoolhouse at Polkville. John Humphrey 
Sessions, who had previously "professed religion" attended the service, 
and before the meeting closed he was so impressed by a divine power 
that he here made a complete consecration of himself to God and precious 
results soon followed. That fact, simple in itself, has meant much to 
the town of Bristol and to the Methodist Church in particular. Mr. 
Sessions was an able, vigorous and successful business man. As he 
prospered the Methodist Church prospered. 

From that time on the records show a gradual increase in the min- 
ister's salary and in the contributions to the Conference benevolences. 
Bv 1879 the Society had so prospered and grown that the church edifice 
on West Street was altogether inadequate to accommodate the people 
who came to worship. It was also felt that the new church should be 
built in a more central part of the town. A more eligible and command- 
ing site on the comer of Summer and Center Streets was purchased. 
A brick structure was erected and the people were happy in their new 
church home. This was done during the pastorate of Rev. Dr. George 
P. Mains. 

In 1888 again the congregations had outgrown their building and 
large additions were made. Rev. Albert H. Wyatt was then the pastor. 

In 1893 a new and more conimodious building was felt to be an 
absolute necessity. The late John Humphrey Sessions resolved to 
build a new church and present it to the society. This he did. The 
building is of granite, of modern architecture and is one of the most 
commodious and handsome church buildings in the state of Connecti- 
cut. The audience room will accommodate over one thousand persons; 
with the chapel opened it will seat two thousand people. Mr. Sessions' 
two sons, John Henry Sessions, gave the carpets and upholstering, 
and William Edwin Sessions, presented the costly and elegant organ. 
Their vmited gifts meant an expenditure of $75,000.00. The entire 
plant is valued at SI 00.000.00. A handsome and artistic window adorns 
the building, the gift of the congregation, as a testimonial to the munifi- 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



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"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with 
praise." — Psa., c, 4. 



28(i 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 





'Praise waiteth for thee, O God, m Zion." — Psa., Ixv., i. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



287 



cent^donor, John Humphrey Sessions. The handsome structure was 
dedicated by Bishop R. S. Foster of Boston, assisted by many clergy. 
Rev. M. W. Prince, D. D. was the pastor. 

On Sunday, June 4, 11)04, the tenth anniversary of the dedication 
of the new building was observed. The sermon was preached by the 
present pastor. The following is a quotation from his sermon: 

"Ten years ago toda}' this edifice was dedicated to the worship 
of Almighty God. The benevolent man who gave the building, and 
the distinguished bishop who dedicated it, have both gone to the temple 
not made with hands, and to their eternal reward. The time between 
that day and this, measures a decade of years. 

Amid all the changes that have taken place we are spared. We 
are permitted the privilege of reviewing the past, and also to enjoy the 
worship of this hour. No greater gift could be made to a community, 
or to a people than the gift of a church. The gift of a library, the gift 
of an orphanage, the gift of a home for the indigent poor, wovild be a 
blessing indeed. That wovild be a work worthy the munificence of the 
noblest and best. But no gift, in the scope of its influence, in the per- 
manency of its work, in the quality of its good, can compare with the 
gift of a church. All philanthropy, the best and wisest legislation, 
the potency of human friendship, are all inspired and strengthened 
and made effective by the influence and spirit of the church. For this 
reason the people, rich and poor, men and women give their money to 
build and support churches. This church was the gift of one of your 
own brothers, to you, for you, to use for the glory of God. How well 
it has been used I shall show you presently. A church debt is a burden, 






'"^'-^^ 



&^ 







"Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within 
thy palaces. — Psa.,cxxh., j. 



288 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




-V- p»- p»— [— >— 1-*'-" r-'~' pw f'" r"^ p*" r"^ l~'~ [■''^ p"*" f=*~ r":^ r"" p'" c — 



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Testimonial Window, inscribed as follows: "As a testimonial to 
the liberality of John Humphrey Sessions, by whom this church was 
built, this window was contributed by a grateful congregation, Anno 
Domini MDCCCXCIII." 

"For He loveth our nation and He hath built us a sj'nagogue." — 
Luke, vii., j. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



289 




> Rev. Charles H. Buck. 




"Feed the flock of God." — / Peter, v., 2 



290' 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 







"Bevond my highest joy 
I prize her heavenly ways." 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE.':' 291 




The Late John Hi'mphrev Sessions. 

and is to be deplored. The only way, however, that some communities 
can have a church is to go in debt for it. The members of this church 
have not been hampered and burdened in that way. John Humphrey 
Sessions lifted that load forever from your shoulders. And on this 
anniversary day you hold him in loving and grateful remembrance and 
for decades and generations to come this beautiful and commodious 
structure will stand here as a silent but eloquent sermon of God's love 
to men, and of man's love to God. And here you and your children 
will congregate to sing and praise and pray. 

For ten years the gospel has been preached here every Lord's Day. 
That is a great thing to begin with. God's minister has come with a 
message of salvation, of forgiveness, of good-will, of hope of heaven. 
The duty of the pulpit has been to give no uncertain sound. My pre- 
decessors failed not to give the Truth. They have fed you with the 
finest of the wheat. They have been faithfiil and safe teachers as well 
as earnest and successful preachers." 

The Bristol Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the most generous 
in the New York East Conference in its support of its own pastor and 
in its contributions to the Conference benevolences. For a single decade 
prior to 1904, to the local church, to missions, education and philan- 
thropy, the church gave over $100,000.00. 

The present membership of the church is 710. The Sunday School 
has 745 members, with 8o in the Home Department and 80 on the Cradle 
Roll. William Edwin Sessions is the indefatigable and devoted super- 
intendent. 

The society owns an excellent parsonage which is a source of much 
delight to the pastor's family. The first pastor to occupy it was Rev. 
A. C. Eggleston some twenty-four years ago. 

The Rev. Charles H. Buck, D. D., has the honorable distinction of 
having served this society three full terms as pastor, making eleven 
years in all. The present pastor, Arthur Henry Goodenough, is on his 
eighth year and has accepted a unanimous call for the eighth year. 

The Epworth League, Ladies' Aid Society, Woman's Foreign Mis- 
sionary Society, Woman's Home Missionary Society, Pastor's Guild, 
Men's Club and other branches are active and vigorous. 



292 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




FREDERICK CALVIN NORTON. 



That Strange Yankee Game, \\^icket' 



By Frederick Calvin Norton. 

WHEN it was announced a few weeks ago that Bristol had held 
the wicket championship for three or four years back, it 
caused a ripple of laughter to go over the town where, for 
sixty years or more, no man living knows of a wicket team 
that has defeated the players from Bristol. Bristol men and boys 
take to wicket playing as a duck will to water and there has never been 
a team organized in this State that has defeated the men who represent 
the Clock Town. 

This game was popular before baseball was heard of and in the 
different sections of the town there are always a half dozen or more 
players that could be relied on to make a record when the time came. 
Farmers' sons, mechanics and everybody, in fact, would gather at night 
on the hill green opposite the Congregational Church, and play their 
favorite game. In the district known as Polkville, two miles north of 
the borough, there always lived some excellent players and some of 
them are still living. 

To those of today there is little known about the ancient and hon- 
orable game of wicket. Look where you will, you cannot find any 

♦Published in Hartford Courant in 1904. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



293 



work on the subject. Yet this game enjoyed a popularity locally that 
baseball will never attain. 

During the past thirty years, Bristol has never thought of playing 
a game of wicket without "Gus" Smith for bowler. This position cor- 
responds to the pitcher in a baseball game and to play successfully a 
man has to possess a lot of ability. "Gus" always had the trick of 
bowling the ball in such a manner that the man at bat was uncertain 
whether he could hit it and the result was in the majority of cases, 
that he didn't make runs enough with "Gus" to win the game. 

Mr. Smith, many years ago became slightly unbalanced mentally 
and was sent to the Connecticut Hospital for the Insane at Middletown, 
where he remained for a long time. All the time he was there he kept 
the game of wicket in his mind and whenever Bristol had a game on, 
"Gus" was sent for and did the bowling The unusual feature of a 
man from an insane asylum, bowling for a wicket game could be seen 
in Bristol for the last do'zen years or so. Later "Gus" went to the Soldiers' 
Home at Togus, Me., and is there yet, but if there is a game here this 
fall he will be sent for and will do the bowling. 

When the New Britain-Bristol contest took place last fall the manage- 
ment sent to Maine for Smith and he came here bright as a daisy for 
the game. His work was of the same character as in the old days. He 
is only slightly demented, but that does not in any way interfere with 
his ability to bowl a ball that will befuddle the most intellectual man 




The center of this ball is tightly wound wool yarn. It was spun and knit by Charity 
Shelton, the grandmother of Harry Shelton Bartholomew, and she gave it to him for the 
ball.. It has worn out three or more leather covers, and has always been re-covered by 
Mr. Cook. Always used by the Bristol players at their games with out-of-town people, 
they rarely used it in practice — and it retired from games with Mr. Bartholomew — so 
it happens that this ball was never beaten. 



294 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

in Bristol or New Britain. He is now between fifty and sixty years old, 
but is as lively as a cricket on the day of a wicket game. 

A feature of Bristol's wicket history is that the teams have always 
been composed of Bristol players, while the teams that had striven to 
gain the championship have been made up of players from several 
towns. In Wethersfield there are a few good players and in New Britain 
there are a few, but the team representing that city at the last game 
with Bristol was made up from at least four towns. The fact is that 
wicket runs in the blood in Bristol. The men take to it naturally and 
where opponents have to spend weeks in practice, Bristol players simply 
accejjt the challenge and in nine cases out of ten never practice before 
the game. 

DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF WICKET. 

The origin of the game of wicket is obscure.. Different authorities 
say that the men who settled New England brought with them the game 
of cricket, but as this savored so much of the English aristocracy, the 
hardy men of New England gradually changed the features of the game. 
It is safe to assume that wicket is practically cricket in an abridged form. 
In the Yankee game a batsman defends a wicket which a bowler attacks 
and the largest number of runs that a side gets in two innings wins the 
game. 'When a stranger sees a game of wicket for the first time he is 
struck by the crowd of men on the field, as there are about thirty players 
at once. It seems impossible for anybody to do anything with such a 
crowd around, but if the spectator watches long enough he will change 
his mind. 

The field is laid out with what is known as an alley, a smooth space 
of ground, at each end of which is the wicket. This consists of two 
pyramids of wood on top of which is a slender stick about five feet long. 
At the other end of the alley stands the bowler outside of the other 
wicket. The bat resembles a lawn tennis bat except that the part 
where the net work is on a lawn tennis bat is made of wood. At the 
other end of the alley seventy-five feet away, is another batsman of 
the same side and at each end also is a bowler. The bowler can throw 
the ball from either end as many times as he wishes, and at times a 
good bowler will completely mix up a batsman. 

The business of the batsman at all times is to defend the wicket 
and if the wicket is not knocked off its pyramid the man is not out. 
Sometimes a man will stay at his place at bat for a long time. The 
special business of the bowler, on the other hand, is to get the wicket 
off its perch as soon as possible The bowler takes a ball and starts at 
a point considerably beyond the end of the opposite wicket and runs 
toward the batsman. When he reaches the wicket he jumps over it 
and then throws the ball along the ground towards the other end of the 
alley in an effort to prevent the batsman from hitting the ball and 
getting a run and to displace the wicket. If the wicket is knocked off, 
either by the ball or some fumble of the man batting he is out and the 
next man in the batting order takes his place. Then, on the other hand, 
the man at the bat is anxiovis to get runs for his side, but an observer 
would think it well nigh impossible for any man to knock the ball far 
enough so that he could reach the other alley and thus count a rvm. 

With thirty agile players standing around the batsman to prevent 
the ball from going far it would seem impossible for one to get a run, 
but they are piled up with an ease which makes one wonder whether 
it is all luck or not. When he hits the ball and one of the other side does 
not catch it on the fly, the batsman runs to the other end of the alley, 
and if the ball is not thrown to the wicket tender before he gets there a 
run is counted. The bowler can change from one end to the other at 
any time and there are various tricks which are resorted to to put .the 
batsman off his guard. The ball can be delivered by either bowler 
from either end. 

The placing of a field for wicket is similar to that of a cricket field 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 295 

for swift bowling, as the fielders are placed around the wicket. The 
batsman who puts the ball out of the reach of the thirty alert fielders 
is performing a more wonderful feat than the man who gets a home 
run in a baseball game. There are many rules in the gaine, one of which 
is that the ball when bowled along the ground must touch the ground 
before it passes the central line of the alley, or it is called no ball. It 
is only when the ball happens to hop up a little just before it reaches 
the batsman that he is able to hit it so as to send it into the field and 
over the fielders' heads. The batsman cannot run on a bye or a wide 
as in cricket, but only after the ball has been hit. The batsman can 
run and meet the ball if he wishes. 

In baseball the decisions of close plays are alwavs left to the umpire 
but in wicket there are really three umpires. There are two referees, 
one for each side and there is a judge appointed to be a sort of supreme 
court for the other two. Last fall when Bristol played New Britain, 
Governor Chamberlain was the judge, but he did not have to go to the 
field but a few times. 

MEMORABLE GAMES OF WICICET. 

One of the important games played many years ago in this town 
was that against a team from Waterbury on the Federal Hill Green on 
September 9, 1S58. Big preparations were made in each town, for the 
game and the Waterbury players hired a special train to bring them to 
BristoL The Waterbury Journal, long since defunct, issued the day 
following a special in which it told the story of the game. The greater 
part of the day was spent in playing and a band from Forestville rendered 
music. There was no ill feeling and when the game ended the Water- 
bury team was defeated by 110 runs. When the contest was over, 
the players went to the hall and dressed for a banquet which followed 
at the Kilbourn House. The band headed the procession down Main 
street hill and the wicket players marched behind to the center of the 
town, where they were roundly cheered. 

The game not only attracted attention in this section of the State, 
but it assumed such proportions that Xew Yorkers became interested 
and it was reported with much detail in the Xew York Sunday Mercury 
a few days later. That newspaper remarked at the time that Bristol 
had a wicket team to be proud of. The New York newspapers had a 
chance to tell the same story twenty-two years later when the Bristols 
went to Brooklyn and defeated the club of that city. 

The most important gam.e ever played in this town was with New 
Britain on Monday, July IS, 1859, for the championship of the State. 
For some time previous to the game the Bristols had advertised that 
they were willing to meet a team from any town or city in the State 
or any combination to determine which was the better one. After 
a while New Britain accepted the challenge, although a well-known 
Bristol man said a few days ago that there were some Hartford players 
on the team when it reached Bristol. The leading men of each town 
were as interested as the players themselves and the affair was arranged 
with a much detail as any sort of public celebration would be in these 
days. Monday morning dawned clear and hot and it turned out to be 
one of the warmest days of a warm summer. The whole town was 
afoot early and a holiday was practically declared. The game was to 
be played at Federal Hill Green and that plot of ground at ten o'clock 
on that day presented a scene that will never be forgotten by those who 
saw it. 

Interest had also grown in Hartford to such an extent that a special 
train was made up in that city for the event. The train left Hartford 
at 7:30 a. m., with one carload of Hartford people and when it reached 
NcAv Britain, four cars were quickly filled with excited people. Every 
car was trimined with flags and bunting and as the train reached the 
local station about nine o'clock it presented a grand appearance. The 
visitors had a band with them and the crowd that greeted them at the 



296 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



station was a large one. It is estimated that when the game commenced 
there were fully 4,000 people in and around the grounds. Every window 
of the Congregational Chvirch was filled with people who stood there 
all day; every available window in houses of the neighborhood was also 
filled, while thousands stood in the hot sun watching for ten hours the 
contest that was to decide the supremacy. 

A large ring was reserved for the players and the ground was "clear, 
hard and fine" according to a newspaper of that day. The two teams 
had elected Judge Charles S. Church of Wolcottville as umpire of the 
game and Charles G. Thompson of Bristol and E. H. Porter of New 
Britain were the referees. The game lasted most of the day and was 
watched by the great crowd of spectators as if the lives of the players 
depended on their work. The New Britain men were dropped behind 
early in the game and although they made a heroic effort to win the}' 
could not get enough runs to outclass the Bristols. The Hartford Press 
said that "the most remarkable order prevailed during the game and 
the contestants treated each other with faultless courtesy, the good- 
natured cheers at each others' mishaps being given and received in the 
best of spirits. The judges required the vimpire but few times during 
the game and the decisions were yielded to promptly. Toward the 
close of the day a number of outsiders were unnecessarily vociferous 
towards the New Britain players but they were an exception." Said the 
Press: — "The sole drink of the day was cold water for the New Britain 
club and mixed water and milk for the Bristols. Rum was at a discount." 
New Britain was defeated by a score of 190 to 162, which wasn't a very 
large margin but enovigh to determine who were the better players. 
The score of the game printed in the Press at the time is here given for 
the purpose of showing who took part in that memorable contest: 




SETTLING .-X DISPUTEU POINT. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



297 




SCENK AT GAME OF SEPTEMBER 4 



IXXIXGS. 



George Hendrick, 
Elijah Manross, . 
Franklin Wordworlh 
Charles Alpress, . 
Russell Fellows, . 
Lucius Osborne, . 
George H. Mitchell, 
J. Fayette Douglass, 
Eli Manross, 
Harry S. Bartholomew 
Franklin Steele, . 
William Jerome, . 
Hiram Wilcox, 
Henry I. Muzzy, 
John Williams, 
T. B. Robinson, . 
Henry A. Peck, . 
Volney Bradley, . 
Josiah Tracy Peck, 
Rufus Sherman, . 
Hobart A. Warner, 
Orrin Tut tie, 
Warren Mclntire, 
Albert Woodruff, 
William Carpenter, 
Horace Grey. 
Charles Smith. Jr., 
John Manross. 
John C. Mack, 



FIRST 


SECOND 


THIRD 


Ob 


Ob 


Ob 


2b 


Oc 


7b 


Oc 


4b 


6b 


Ob 


lb 


12c 


lb 


Ob 


Oc 


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Ob 


Ob 


Ob 


Ob 


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Ob 


5b 


8c 


Oc 





lie 


2b 


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4t 


2t 


Ob 


ob 


7c 


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4c 


6c 


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Gc 


3 


5 


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5 b 


1 


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75 



60 



298 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



NEW BRITAIN 

William Maitland, 

William H. Hart, 

Charles W. Andrews 

Samuel Moore 

Henry Mather, 

William Burritt, . 

Andrew E. Hart,. 

Monroe Stannard, 

W. H. Riley, 

William Hotehkiss, 

John Stannard, . 

Charles Gilbert, . 

Daniel Gilbert, 

John Burritt, 

Walter Parsons, . 

Philip Corbin, 

C. Myron Talcott, 

Andrew Corbin, . 

Thomas Brigham, 

George Gilbert, 

Frank W. Beckley, 

Robert Kenyon, . 

Walter Stanley, . 

F. W. Stanley, 

Valentine B. Chamberlain. 

Edward Stanley, 

Thedeus Butler, . 

I. S. Lee, 

Walter Judd, 

Thomas Hart, 



4c 


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51 



53 



48 



Grand total, Bristol, 100; New Britain, 152 



'■h." bowled out; "t," ticked out; "c," caught out. 

When the game was over the New Britain enthusiasts marched to 
the passenger station with their band and boarded the special train. 
They w^ere a crestfallen lot, although nothing had taken place except 
the defeat to make them sad. The train that was so gayly decorated 
in the early morning was now changed to a different garb, for the men 
from New Britain now dressed the cars in mourning. A generous 
supply of black bunting had been secured so that the train looked as 
though it were carrying the body of some famovis man to its last resting 
place. The members of the New Britain club remained behind for the 
customary banquet, w^hich was served in the Kilbourn Hou.se. Those 
who participated in this feature were the officials of the game. Church 
and Porter, Philip Corbin, Josiah Tracy Peck, Valentine B. Chamberlain 
of New Britain and Elijah Manross of Forestville. 

Last September at the public meeting of the Old Home Week cele- 
bration in the Congregational Church, Charles Elliot Mitchell of New 
Britain, said, referring to that game: "In 1850, I was half dead with 
excitement lest Bristol should be defeated. Now possibly because I 
have lived in New Britain so long, my sentiment is, "May the best players 
win.' " 

Governor Chamberlain, at the ban(|uet in the Gridley House after 
the last game of wicket between New Britain and Bristol on September 
4th of last year said: "I came to Bristol today as a citizen, simply be- 
cavise I wanted to come and couldn't think of giving it up. I had an 
enthusiastic desire to see this game and I have seen it. I remember 
playing wicket against Bristol in 1859. We got licked in good shape 
that day and I nearly lost heart. To those of this generation, wicket 
is tame, but to us old boys it's the delight of our lives." 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



299 



The Govenor wrote the author of this article last week; "I have 
a vivid recollection of the game between New Britain and Bristol and 
of the great excitement and large attendance. Of com-se this is a game 
of my youth, of which I have very pleasant memories, but it seems 
to me a' game where the interest is fully equal to that of baseball at the 
present time. I regret that the boys of this generation have not the 
opportunity of participating in a recreation so enjoyable." 

On August 27, 1880, the Bristol Wicket Club went to Brooklyn, 
X. Y., and administered a decisive defeat to a club made up in that city. 
The team there had shown good work for some time and the result was 
a challenge to the one in Bristol. Some of the players that went to 
the city were: — Austin D. Thompson, Miles Lewis Peck, Harry vS. Bar- 
tholomew, James A. Matthews, Albert M. Sigourney, Joseph H. Ward, 
Henry Peck, Henry B. Cook. George Bartholomew, Hiram Wilcox, 
Michael B. Rohan, Timothy B. Robinson, Harry W. Barnes, Adrian 
J. Muzzv, Wallace Muzzy, and Theodore D. Merriman. 

There was a good deal of curiosity among the new York reporters 
over the game and the Brooklyn Eagle, in reporting it, remarked that 
there was a regular army of them watching the game from the start. 
The next dav's issue of the Eagle contained a column and a half on this 
strange Yankee game which was played so deftly by the Bristol men. 
The newspaper said: — 

"There were many greybeards on both sides, Init what was most 
striking in the contest to the spectators present, accustomed to wit- 
nessing games and matches of all kinds in the metropolis, was the entire 




(1) Xo. 4, Mrs. W. E. Barker R, Joe Terrien A',- (2. No. 14, S. R. 
Goodrich O, C. A. Xeal R; (3) No. 15, W. O. Goodsell O; (4) No. 22, 
O. C. Ives R, Geo. A. Askey R; (5) Xo. 27, A. O. Perkins O; (6) Xo. 35, 
P. J. Crowley O, Martin Hahn R. James McWilliams R. Mrs. Andrew 
Karbaun R; (7) Xo. 26, C. W. Edgerton R, Miss Sarah Goodenough R, 
(8) No. 36, C. E. Hungerford O, Mrs. C. H. Muzzy R; (9) Mrs. Elizabeth 
Hart (). 



300 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



absence of that spirit of partisan malice of continuous disputing and 
quarreling, which is so frequent at the local contests on the local ball 
fields. There was plenty of good-natured chaffing, but the behavior 
of the contestants throughout the game was that of educated, intelhgent, 
American workmen. It is rather rough recreative exercise, well calcu- 
lated to give a man a healthy old appetite after a match, besides making 
him sleep well that night." 

The game commenced at ten o'clock and for the first half Bristol 
was apparently taking things easy, for it looked to the Eagle man as 
if thev were to be defeated, but in the afternoon they went in to win 
and trimmed their opponents in good shape. 

The Brooklyn paper made special mention of the fine playing of 
Cook, Bartholornew and Newell and said they really won the game 
by their hard hitting. After the game the clubs with their officials, 
went to the Brighton Beach Hotel, where they had a wicket supper, 
talked over old times and ended the day, as the Eagle says as joyfully 
as it had been commenced. 

FAMOUS GAMES FOR THIRTY YEARS OR MORE. 

Henry B. Cook has a book in which are the records of all the wicket 
games played in Bristol for the past thirty years. The first gam.e re- 
corded in the book was between Bristol and Forestville October 3, 1874. 
It was a three-inning game and there were the usual thirty men on a 
side. Bristol won 122 to 111. Among the high scores made were those 
of A. M. Sigourney, who made 14 runs, H. B. Cook 11. Gus Smith 10. 

On the next page is a game played the year before at Wolcottville 




(10) No. 57, George S. Reed's store, Harry Wing A'; (11) No. 61; 
M. Chirrico R; (12) No. 63, A. E. Hare's Old Homestead Bakery; (13) 
No. 62, Searles & Osborne's Meat Market; (14) No. 68, Joe Perry R^ 
Joe Foushear R; (15) No. 77, W. E. Hough R; (16) No. 79, Mrs. A. 
Bantot R, No. 81, Mrs. John Myers R; (17) No. 89, Franklin Ball, R; 
(18) No. 95, Arthur J. Hannah R, John Whitman R. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



301 



now Torrington, with the team of that place. The score that day was: 
Bristol, 312; Wolcotville, 109. A. M. Sigournev made 31 runs,'H. B. 
Cook 14, I. P. Newell 31, S. D. Bull 22, Hiram Wi'lcox 21, H. S. Bartholo- 
mew, 16, J. H. Ward 14, Miles Lewis and Henry A. Peck each 13. 

A game with Ansonia in that city September 24, 1873, resulted in 
a score for Bristol of 282, while Ansonia made only 45 runs. At that 
game Herbert Booth made 27 runs, M. L. Peck 2(3, S. D. Bull 24, George 
Hendricks 21, Hobart A. Warner 18, H. B. Cook 17, and Joseph Brad- 
shaw and Gus Smith each 10. 

In July, 1876, the Bristols tackled their old friends, the Waterburys 
on their home ground. At the end of two innings the score was even 
each scoring 147. The next inning abounded with fireworks and the 
Bristols won out, making 83 runs in that inning, thus defeating the men 
of the Brass City 230 to 193. John Ward made 23 runs, H. B. Cook 17 
and James Matthews 13. 

Bristol came so mighty near defeat at Waterbury that the mem- 
bers decided to do some practicing before they played a return game. 
Accordingly they played Burlington, July 29, 1876 and won, 305 to 135. 
The two clubs played again on August 5th of the same year and the 
farmers from the hill town got a worse whipping than before, the score 
being 409 to 109, the Bristols making so many runs they got tired of the 
sport. H. B. Cook made the star record of his life that day and piled 
up 47 runs, while Dewitt Stevens made 40, J. H. Ward 29, A. M. Sigourney 
24, Henry A. Peck 23, Seth Barnes 20, M. L. Peck 18, H. A. Warner and 
James A. Matthews each 17. They played Forestville September 
9th of the same year and won 153 to 130. The return game with Water- 
bury was in September; Bristol winning before a big audience, 318 to 



NORTH ST. 




(19) No. 105, James Freeman O, E. Chioniere K; (20) No. 108, 
John W. Moore O, Elmer Berg R; (21) No. Ill, H. W. Hungerford O; 
(22) No. 119, George S. Reed O; (23) No. 118, Mrs. Rosa A. Smith O, 
Charles W. Peck R; (24) No. 128, Mrs. G. J. Schubert O; (25) No. 136, 
Louis Rindfleisch O, B. F. Whitman R; (26) No. 144, Chas. Freeman R; 
(27) D. A. LaCourse's Carpenter's Shop. 



30: 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



23U. I. P. Newell scored 33 runs, C. H. Hotchkiss 30, H. B. Cook 24. 
George Bartholomew 22, M. L. Peck 21, Dewilt Stevens lit, John Ward 
and Frank Steele each 15, Theodore D. Merriman and "Gus" Smith 
each 13, J. H. Ward 12. 

The next year there was a game between the married and single 
men of the town which was consequential from the fact that Gus Smith 
made the record of his life, and which is said to be the greatest record 
ever made in this or any other State. He made in two innings 54 runs. 

Two games were played with Forestville during the next three 
years and the next big game was with Brooklyn. After this game 
seven years elapsed before the Bristols went outside the town to play. 

On August 15, 1887, they went to W'insted and warmed that team 
to the tune of 184 to 100. J. H. Ward made 23 runs and Harry S. 
Bartholomew and H. B. Cook each 10. Winsted played a return game 
in Bristol in September, 1887 and lost again. The high stand men 
on that occasion were H. B. Cook, who made 26 runs, Thomas Steele 
24, A. F. Alpress 21, J. H. W^ard 20, T. D. Merriman 10, A. D. Thompson 
15, S. D. Bull 11. Then during the next few years there were games 
between local teams in Bristol and the first out-of-town club to come 
here was Newington, which now seeks to take the laurels from Bristol. 
They played here October 6, 1892, and were defeated 280 to 164. H. 
B. Cook made 34 runs and S. D. Bull 19. Dr. Howard of the visitors 
made 29 and J. H. Fish 19. 

The next game with Newington was on October 27th in Newington. 
Bristol being victorious, 191 to 111. On August 18. 1893, Bristol again 
played to Newington, winning 164 to 125. On September 8, 1893, the 
Newingtons came here and came near winning. The score was: Bristol 
84; Newington 80. On October 13, 1893, Bristol went to Torrington 



^ mJEra 




(1) N. Miller O, Joseph Gorsky R; (2) Thos. W. Greeno O; (3) 
Heny Simpson O; (4) Oscar Linden O; (5) J. Cajkoski O. M. Hayes R; 
(6) John Lamb O; (7) Chas. Johnson R (hrst house built on Hull street); 
(8) Robt. Carlson O; (9) Carl A. Carlson R. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



303 



and won from that town 168 to U)7. Xewington played here again 
September 7, 1894 and lost 215 to 122. Bristol visited Xewington 
again September 20, 1895 and won 79 to 7G. 

When Bristol had it Old Home Week celebration the idea of having 
a wicket game between Bristol and New Britain took tangible form 
and clubs were organized in each place. The New Britain men went 
into the matter with great earnestness and did a good deal of practice 
work during the month preceding the game. Governor Chamberlain 
readily assented to do the umpiring for the game and Miles Lewis Peck 
of Bristol was selected as the captain of the team. William H. Hart 
of New Britain and Captain Henry A. Peck, both survivors of the famous 
game of 1859 were selected as the judges. 

The game was played on September 4, 1903, on the Center street 
baseball grounds. At 11:30 Governor Chamberlain walked over to the 
bench he was to occupy and the game comnienced. "Gus" Smith who 
had been imported from the Soldiers' Home at Togus, Me., to do the 
bowling was on hand and threw the first ball. The first inning was won 
by Bristol 57 to 41. The first part of the game was concluded at 2:45 
p. M., and then the players had lunch and rested for a time. The second 
half resulted in some of the players making fine scores, but New Britain 
was easily defeated 109 to 81. In the evening at the Gridley House there 
was a bancjuet at which over one hundred were present, the Governor 
occupying the seat of honor. Miles Lewis Peck was the toastmaster 
and those who spoke were Governor Chamberlain, William H. Hart, 
Mayor Samuel Basset of New Britain and John H. Kirkham. 

In the next morning's Coiirant appeared the following from New 
Britain: "There is some talk of challenging Bristol for a return wicket 
game. The local players are not at all satisfied that the defeat of today 
could not be turned into a victory on another occasion. The local 




(10) Herbert J. Smith O; (11) Henry Fleming O; (12) Arthur H. 
Porter O; (13) Bernard H. Fallon O; (14) James M. Scanlon O; (15) 
John Augdahl O; (1(3) Fred Nichol O, Fred Kriger R; (17) O. Taillon 
O, Philip Rondeau R; (18) Harry C. Wright O. 



304 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



players lacked practice as a geiieral rule, although there were several 
who played the game exceedingly well. Many of the team were accus- 
tomed to batting baseballs and spread their feet apart when striking 
at the ball. The ball rolling past knocked down the w^icket and they 
were out." Bristol is still waiting for the challenge. 

* Since this article was written, the following letter from Mr. Harry 
S. Bartholomew, in reply to an invitation to act as "judge" at a wicket 
game in Thomaston, has been found. It is very interesting and gives 
the rules in the famous "New Britain game."" 

Bristol, Conn., May 17, 1865. 

Enclosed I send a copy of the rules that were adopted when we played 
with New Britain. 

If nothing happens to prevent, than I know of at present, I will 
try to come to your place July 1st. It is not a very easy job for a single 
judge to watch and decide all matters in a game, and it often leads to 
hard feelings. But many times I have thought it best as it saved disputes 
and time. All that can be asked of a man is to be just and prompt. 

RULES OF THE GAME OF WICKET. 

1st. — The ball shall be from 3| to 4 inches in diameter and weigh 
from 9 to 10 otmces. 

2d. — The wickets shall be 75 feet apart. 

3d. — The wickets shall be six feet long. 

4th. — The tick marks shall be six feet from the wickets. 

5th. — The ball shall strike the ground on or before it reaches the 
center, to be a bowl. 



SEYMOU 




(1) No. 107, Philip Allaire O; (2) No. 99, Chas. Stock O; (3) No. 98, 
Karl Helming O, Adolf Growl R; (4) No. 77, B. J. McGovem O; (5) 
No. 75, Edmund O. Duquette R; (6) Dwight F. Russell; (7) No. 62; 
Edward Helman O, Stanley Heinze R; (8) No. 61, M. Aurocolette O, 
(9) No. 53, A. Walter Fish O. 



OR XEW CAMBRIDGE. 



:H)o 



6lh. — The bowler must start from behind the wicket and pass over 
it in bowling. 

7th. — The bowler shall be within ten feet of the wicket, •when the 
ball leaves his hand. 

8th. — A throw or jerk, is in no case a bowl, but the arm in bowling 
must be kept perfectly straight. 

9th. — In ticking, the bowler must stand astride or back of the wicket 
striking it off from the inside, retaining the ball in his hand. 

10th. — When the bowler has received the ball, it shall be bowled 
by him before it is passed to the other bowler. 

11th. — The strike?" sh?dl in no case molest the ball when it is being 
thrown in, so as to hindsi' the bowler from ticking him out. 

12th. — There shall be no crossing the alley when the ball is being 
bowled. 

13th. — There shall be no unnecessary shinning. 

14th. — In catching, flying balls only are out. A ball caught before 
striking any other object but the catcher is out. 

15th. — In crossing, the striker shall tick his bat down on or over 
the tick. Mark to have a cross count except when caught or ticked out. 

16th. — \o Strieker shall strike a ball more than once except in 
defense of his wicket, neither shall he stop the ball with his bat and then 
kick it. 

17th. — No one shall get in the way of a striker to prevent his crossing; 
freely. 

18th. — Lost ball may have f-our crosses run on it. 

19th. — No one but the judge may cry "no bowl " 



SEYMOUR <&c^^BUCKINGHAM ST5 




(10) 



(11) No. 44, Frederick Beatson A'; (12) No., 



37, Chas. Benson 0;, Wm. H. Greenwood R; (13) No. 34, Patrick Farrel 
O; (14) No. 28, James C. Parsons R; (15) No. 25, Anthony F. Pade- 
rewski R, Mrs. Josephine Paderewski R, Edward Mulhern R; (16) No. 19, . 
Frank Moreau R; No. 21, Mrs. Mary J. Guckin O, P. O. Connell R. 



30G 



BRISTOL, COXXECTICUT 



•^^- 
^'^• 


®rtitttt| (Eburrh 


•^>^- 
'^'^^- 



By Florenxe E. D. Muzzy 



Sabba' Day morning 1727. The scattered settlers of New Cam- 
bridge living in the clearings of the primeval forest which covered these 
hills, are early astir — regardless of weather — in carts, horseback, perhaps 
afoot, for the eight-mile pilgrimage to the meetin'-house in Mother 
Farmington — there to worship duly as the fathers decreed. And again 
at dusk — back again, jolting over the rough forest trail — keeping out 
a wary eye for wild beasts and Indians. 

For fifteen years did they patiently subinit to this hardship piled 
upon innumerable other hardships. Then the General Assembly granted 
their urgent petition that at least during the severe winters, preaching 
at home might be allowed them. This was the entering wedge; and 
in 1743 an Ecclesiastical Society was organized and the parish named 
New Cambridge. 

In 1747 the pastor, being a strong Calvinist, was bitterly opposed. 
And "here it inust be noted," says the record, "that Caleb mathews, 
Stephen Brooks, John hikox, Caleb Abernathy, Abner mathews, Abel 
Royce, denell Roe, and simon tuttel, publickly declared themselves of 
the Church of England and under the bishop of london." These with 
Nehemiah Royce, founded the first Epicopal Society in New Cambridge 
and were soon followed by Benjamin and Stephen Brooks, Jr., and 
Joseph Gaylord. These churchmen, all men of prominence, were com- 
pelled to pay taxes to the Ecclesiastical Society, as well as to support 
their own which naturally caused great dissatisfaction. 

The first Connecticut priests were missionaries until the American 
Revolution paid by the English Society for the Propogation of the 
Gospel in Foreign Parts; each missionary being required to send twice 
a year an account of his work home to England — these reports furnish- 
ing valuable information to the historian. 

The first mission-priest at New Cambridge (then a part of the 
Simsbury Mission) Avas the Rev. William Gibbs — Harvard 1734— or- 
dained in England, as were all priests of that day. A "true copy" of 
the "Declaration" of Mr. Gibbs, "to conform to the Liturgy of the Church 
of England in the Province of New England in America," September, 
1744, — may be found in the Bristol PubHc Library; also a copy of the 
grant to Mr. Gibbs by " 'Edmund, London,' to perform the office of 
minister in said Province;" also copy of a document from the Society 
stating that Mr. Gibbs, upon examination, "appears to be a person 
duly qualified for proinoting ye good work .... And whereas, 
he is by ye Right Rev. Father in God, Edmond, Lord Bishop of London, 
a member of ye sd. Societ^^ at their request Licenced and appointed 
to perform all ye Offices of his sacred fiuiction at Cymsbury in Con- 
necticut in the province of N. England in America We 

grant him an annuity of ye sum of ;^30 on consideration yt. ye. sd. Wm. 

Gibbs doth without delay Transport, or cause himself 

to be Transported to Cymsbury aforesaid." Mr. Gibbs is then recom- 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



307 



mended to the protection of God and also to "the countenance of his 
Excellency the Governor of the Province and the Good Will of all Chris- 
tian People at Cymsbury."* 

In a letter to the Society, 1749, Mr. Gibbs says of the New Cam- 
bridge churchmen: "the dissenters do oblige them to pay to the dis- 
senting minister, and which they have refused and for the refusal were, 
four of them committed to the Hartford gaol, in a place where they 
keep malefactors, upon which they then paid .... six more 
are now" threatened." Six months later Mr. Gibbs writes that these 
men having paid, he himself "deinanded the money of the collector, 
which refused the same, and which put me upon sueing him before one 
of his Majesty's justices of the peace in Siinsbury town, for my Church- 
warden's rate of Caleb Matthews, but was cast, and for my refusing to 
pay the cost .... I am .... brought to Hartford 
gaol .... where I now am. Thus presumptuous and bold 
are these men in these parts." Episcopal ]\Ir. Gibbs was also compelled 




TRINITY CHURCH, HIGH STREET. 

to pay taxes from his own scanty income to support the Congregational 
ministry. Owing to his ill treatment at the time of his arrest and the 
shock to his nerves, he afterward becaine insane and suffered under 
this cloud till his death twenty-five years later. 

About this time a compromise was effected by which the Churchmen 
were to pay half rates to the Standing Order, until they had a priest of 
their own to support. 

Mr. Gibbs probably retired about 17o0; as in a letter dated 1751, 
the Rev. Dr. Samuel Johnson "the Father of Episcopacy in Connecticut," 
speaks of the New Cambridge people as having "put themselves vmder 
the protection" of Mr. Mansfield of Waterbury — that parish being much 
nearer than Simsbury. 

Rev. Richard Mansfield — Yale 1741 — ordained l.)V the Archbishop 



308 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

of Canterbury 1748 — in October of that year took charge of Derby, 
Waterbury and West Haven. To these were afterward added Oxford, 
Westbury (Watertown), Northbury and New Cambridge, 1750. If 
the Rev. Richard Mansfield could have found time between sermons and 
lonely horseback trips through the woods to record his ministerial ex- 
periences, they would make interesting reading in these days of elec- 
tricity and divided labors. He writes: "I visit them as often as the 
care of my large Missions will permit." It has been written of him: 
"The aged .... speak with delight of the alacrity with which 
he would make a journey of twenty miles or more, over an extremely 
bad road to perform any extra parish duty." After his retirement in 
1759, he continued to live in Derby until his death, having been rector 
of one parish for seventy-two years. These two are but examples of 
the stuff of which early New England was made. 

"It was in 1754, during his ministry that the Churchmen of New 
Cambridge built their first church upon a lot deeded to the Society by 
Stephen Brooks. This held four acres and was at the north of the 
Training Ground, or The Green. The church opened June 10, 1754, 
with Abel roys and Stephen brooks chosen church wardens. Caleb 
mathews chosen clerk" The site of this First Church has been marked 
by Mr. George Dudley Seymour with a boulder of rose-quartz from Chip 
pin's Hill. Five of the original nine members lie buried in the old yard 
near. A few of the windows used in this first church are still in existence. 

In 1759 upon Mr. Mansfield's retirement, the churches of Water- 
bury, Northbury, Westbury and New Cambridge petitioned the English 
Society to appoint Mr. James Scovil — Yale 1757 — as Missionary, three 
churches having been built and membership greatly increased. He 
accordingly began work at once, settling in Waterbury. His charge 
consisted of 110 church families and 150 communicants. In less than 
a year these increased to 117 families and 172 communicants. In New 
Cambridge in 1760 there were 23 church families and 47 communicants; 
though in 1772 there were but ten families more and no increase of 
members. In 1763-4 a large decrease was recorded — probably caused 
by the removal of younger members to new settlements. Towns were 
like beehives in those days — always a swarm to newer fields. 

In 1762 Farmington was added to this charge. Mr. Scovil in his 
letters says he officiated every fourth Sunday in New Cambridge, unless 
hindered by other duties. There seems to be no mention of vacations. 
He reported that most of the adults in the parish were regular com- 
municants and living in harmony with the dissenters. His first salary 
was ;^20 a year, increased in 1764 to £30; but — poor man! — it is once 
recorded that, "At a vestry meeting .... held December 
10, 1765, voted to give Mr. Scovel fifteen pounds for the year ensuing, 
and that we might have the liberty of paing it in pork and grain at the 
market price." Seventy-five dollars a year, to be paid in pork and 
grain — collected from five towns, separated by steep hills and unbroken 
forests! In 1766 he mentions casually that his duties were "full enough 
for two clergymen if any method could be found for their support." 
It appears not to have occurred to any economical parishoner that Mr 
Scovil "go halves" on his produce and cash. 

In 1771 Mr. James Nichols graduated from Yale, and being native 
of Waterbury, he probably assisted Mr. Scovil as lay-reader. 

In 1774, "the Rev. James Nichols, a gentleman well recommended, 
hath lately been ordained" to the parishes of Northbury (Pljmiouth) 
and New Cambridge (Bristol) these having "voluntarily engaged to 
support their own minister." Mr. Nichols was the last man from Con- 
necticut to take holy orders from England and the Society voted him a 
gratuity of ;£20, in lieu of the salary usually paid by them — ";£60 sterling 
per annum, and a glebe of forty acres of very good land" was the salary 
voted by Northbury and New Cambridge; while the records for 1773 
says that New Cambridge voted him ;^40 lawful monej- 3'early "for 
our part of his stated salary." Also: — "voted, that we would raise 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



309 




REV. WILLI.\M HENRY MORRISON, PRESENT RECTOR OF TRINITY 
EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



310 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

25 pounds to carry hiin home (to England) to be raised upon our lists 
at two pence half penny upon the pound." Mr. Nichols was the first 
priest to live at New Cambridge. 

The relations between Congregationalists and Churchmen appear 
now to have become more friendly for a time, the rates being fairly 
divided and the Churchmen taking part in nonecclesiastical matters. 
But when the war came on, the "Church of England" sympathized almost 
entirely with the Mother Country, and friendliness gave way to active 
hostility in many places. Shortly after the Declaration of Independ- 
ence, the clergy of the state held a meeting to decide whether or not to 
pray that the King "might be victorious over all his enemies." They 
feared to omit the prayer — they feared to use it; so they shrewdly 
avoided the issue by suspending services for a few months, when the 
war would doubtless be over. It is told that one absent-minded clergy- 
man did pray for "our excellent King George" — hastily assuring the 
Lord an instant later that he "meant George Washington." 

Rev. Nichols was an ardent loyalist and his people agreed with 
him. "Chippin's Hill became a rendezvous for Tory gatherings from 
all over the state, where soldiers enlisted for King George, and infor- 
mation went forth to New York." The famous Tory Den is not far 
rom here. 

In 1776 Mr. Nichols baptized five; in 1777 but one, in 1780, four. 
One of these would seem to have been Moses Dunbar, the only loyalist 
hung in Connecticut during the war; as he was a "recent convert under 
the teachings of the persecuted ministers, and was a devoted and fear- 
less supporter of the royal cause." 

In the State Records, Vol. I, page 259, are the names of seventeen 
loyalists who were imprisoned on suspicion of being unfriendly to America 
and who pray for release, testifying that they "had been much under 
the influence of one Nichols, a designing church clergyman, who had 
instilled into them principles opposite to the good of the States." At 
least fifteen of them were Churchmen. Others were punished also in 
various ways; and it is said that Mr. Nichols was tarred and feathered. 
It is upon record that he was indicted for treason before the Superior 
Court, Hartford, in 1777, but escaped conviction. He was some of the 
time in hiding, and church services were discontinued. 

After the war the church building was unfit for use, but meetings 
were held in private houses for a time. Mr. Nichols was again in New 
Cambridge, and probably reorganized the church, tho he died in another 
state, about 1829. 

In 1784 it is recorded: — "that we are willing to meet again in the 
church which hath lain desolate .... on account of the perse- 
cution of the times; and, voted that we would repair the church house." 
Also: "Voted a penny tax on ye pound on the list of Aug. 1784 . 

for the purpose of hiring preaching to be paid in wheat, I'ie or 
otes." In November the reorganized parish contained 29 voting mem- 
bers; but finding the burden too great, in 1790 they "Voted, That we 
was desirous of 'having the east part of Northbury (Plymouth) and the 
south part of Harwinton to join with us in making up a Society." This 
new combination petitioned the General Assembly to establish a church 
at East Plymouth, central to all. This is the well-known, old, "East 
Church" built in 1791. The New Cambridge Church building was sold 
to Abel Lewis, who made it over into a barn. Services were discon- 
tinued in New Cambridge, until 1834 when "Trinity Church, Bristol" was 
organized. 

The "Second Episcopal Church" built upon land bought from 
Ira Dodge, was named St. Matthews. 

The records, long lost sight of were afterward recovered. They 
date from 1747 to 1800. They are not complete, but still much fuller 
than those following 1800. 

We find this item: "The present church edifice was built in 1791, 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



311 



finished in 1794, consecrated by Bp. Seabury Oct. 21, 1795. The same 
day the Rev. Alex. V. Griswold was ordained priest. The next day 
was consecrated St. Mark's church, Harwinton. These were the last 
official acts of Bp. Seabury of which there is any record .... 
There were present in convocation 15 of the clergy of Connecticut." It 
would seem by this that Harwinton had ambitions of her own, and 
did not take kindly to union for strength. The records bear the in- 
scription: "Fear God and Honor the King." 

There seems to have been no especial name of any saint applied to 
the First Church, situate on the Green of Federal Hill. In 1792 the 
committee appointed to dispose of the old church is directed on the 
records to turn over the effects to the "new church in Northbury." 
This same year delegates were sent to "attend the State Convention 
af New Haven" — no longer a meeting in a Tory Den! 

The ineetings of 1 793-4-5, give names of choristers, delegates, church 
officers; the fixing of rates, etc. In 1796 the record states that the 
"Vestry dissolved." Also in 1790 Mr. Cyrus Gaylord and Caleb Mat- 
thews, Jr. were "chosen to assist in reading services and sermons as occa- 
sion inay require." This was during the ministry of Rev. Alex. Gris- 
wold, who also officiated at neighboring towns, and taught school winters. 
Moreover he was a mighty fisherman. Mr. Welton tells tales of Mr. 
Griswold in his note book. In 1805, he resigned to accept a call to 
Bristol, R. I., where he afterward became Bishop of the Eastern Dio- 
cese. He wrote, later: "No years of my life have been more happy 

than the ten I -passed in these parishes The people were 

mostly religious and all comparatively free from vice." 

From 1797 to 1800, vestry meetings are noted, but little done 
except regular choice of officers. A "List of vessels belonging to the 
church in New Cambridge" is given and iudging by the names of the 
givers they were of early date: 




PLYMOUTH E,^ST CHI.'RCH IX I'.MIl 



312 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

"one beacker given by lieut. John row, 

one platter given by Nehemiah ro^'s, 

one bason bought with the church's money, 

one tancut (tankard) bot with church's money, 

A cution (?) given by Caleb mathews, 

Mr. Abel roys, Nehemiah roys, 

one beakcer given by Simon Tuttle." 
After Mr. Griswold, the next permanent rector appears to have 
been the Rev. Roger Searle, from 1809 to 1818. He went from East- 
Plymouth to "New Connecticut" in the Western Reserve, as a pioneer 
missionary, and was the founder of the first Episcopal Parish in Cleve- 
land, Ohio. From 1820 to 1829 Rev. Rodney Rossiter officiated, and 
then resigned, "believing a dissolution of my pastoral connection . 

expedient." This was received with much regret; and some- 
where about 1832-3 Rev. Horatio Potter, afterward Bishop of New 
York, preached at St. Matthews. Following him came students from 
Washington College, Hartford. Then, in 1834, Rev. George C. V. East- 
man occasionally officiated at evening. 

About this time, "owing to the arbitrary conduct of a prominent 
layman at East Church" the subject of reorganizing the New Cam- 
bridge (now Bristol) Society was agitated. Several families, descend- 
ants of the original founders of the 1747 Mission joined in this move- 
ment. This loss of so many liberal supporters lead eventually to the 
rapid decline of St. Matthews. 

The new church was built at the "North side" of Federal Hill, not 
far from the site of the original church. Mr. Eastman was chosen rector 
and the church was named "Trinity." 

In Mr. X. A. Welton's copies of the old records including those of 
both First and Second Early Churches, is a list of officiating clergyinen, 
beginning with the unhappy Mr. Gibbs. The dates do not fully coin- 
cide but are not far astray. Some of these names were doubtless those 
of assistants to the rector or "supplies:" 

Rev. William Gibbs 1747 to 1753 

/ Rev. Ichabod Camp (converted dissenter) .... 1753 to 1755 
\ Christopher Newton (converted dissenter) .... 1755 to 1759 

Rev. Richard Mansfield to 1759 

Rev. James Scoville to 1773 

Rev. James NichoUs (occasional) to 1784 

Rev. Samuel Andrews (of Wallingford) (occasional).. .1785 

Rev. James Scoville (occasional) 1785 

Rev. Ashbell Baldwin 1785 to 1793 

Rev. T. Bronson — once in 1793 

Rev. Seth Hart — four times in 1794 

Rev. Alex. V. Griswold 1795 to 1805 

Rev. David Butler — once in 1795 and once in 1797 

Rev. N. B. Burgess 1807 

Rev. Joseph Davis Welton 1808 

Rev. Roger Searle 1809 to 1818 

Rev. Nathan B. Burgess 1819 

Rev. Rodney Rossiter 1820 to 1829 

Rev. Alpheus Geer 1829 

Rev. Palmer Dyer 1830 

Rev. Xorman Pinnev 1831 

Rev. Allen C. Morgan 1832 

Rev. Allen C. Morgan IS:n to 1832 

f Rev. Drs. Wheaton and Totten 

"j Rev. Drs. Wheaton and Totten 

[ Revs. Horatio Potter, Tyler, Keeler & Purdy. . . 1S32 to 1834 

Rev. James Keeler 1833 

Rev. Geo. C. V. Eastman 1834 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE 



ii; 



The St. Matthews' list after 18.'54, when Trinity Church was founded 
in Bristol, is as follows : 

Rev. Fred. B. Woodward •. . . 1839 to 1842 

Rev. John H. Hanson to 1843 

Rev. S. Sevilious Stocking to 1844 

Rev. John M. Guion — J/^ in 1845 

Rev. Henry V. Gardner 1846 to 1847 

Rev. CoUis J. Potter — 6 mos. in 1848 

Rev. Frederick Holcumb ISaO to 1852 

Rev. James Morton 1858 to 1860 

Rev. Isaac Jones 1856 

Rev. Daniel Burhans 1857 

Rev. Joseph Co veil 

Rev. Fred. B. Woodward.. .' 1864 to 1867 

Rev. Alanson Welton — 3 Sundays in 1868 

and later, from Nov. 1874 to July 1S77 as assistant to Re^•. 

Collis Potter, a native of the town though non-resident, 

elected rector without salarv. 

Rev. ColHs J. Potter ' 

Rev. Wm. Everett Johnson, rector of Trinitv 

Church, Bristol, Mission Services about 

1882 to 1886 

Rev. Thos. S. Ockford, a few times autumn of 1898 

Rev. J. D. Gilliland 

A list of the Society's Church Wardens, Vestry, Committees, and 
so on, is given in this record, in which many familiar names appear. 
It may be well to supplement here this list, with that of the Rectors of 
Trinity, before continuing the account of the Church: 




VIEW ox .M.MN STREET BEFORE GRADE CROSSING WAS ABOLISHED. 



314 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

LIST OF RECTORS OF TRINITY (TIURCH. 
(Time approximately given.) 

Rev. Geo. C. V. Eastman 18o4 to 18o() 

Rev. Joseph S. Covell 1836 to 1845-() 

Rev. Joseph H. Nichols 1846 to 1847 

Rev. Samuel J. Evans 1848 to 1850 

Rev. Henry Fitch 1850 to 1859 

Rev. Nicholas J. Seeley 1859 to 1867 

Rev. A. E. Bishop ' 1867 to 1870 

Rev. Wm. G. Wells 1870 to 1871' 

Rev. W. f. Piggott, 9 months 1872 to 1873 

Rev. J. D. Gifliland 1873 to 1878 

Rev. James L. Scott 1878 to 1881 

Rev. Wm. Everett Johnson 1882 to 1886 

(Lay reader, 1881-2.) 

Rev. E. C. Johnson 1886 to 1889 

Rev. J. H. Fitzgerald 1890 to 1897 

Rev. Wm. H. Morrison 1897 

(July 7, 1907, the Rev. Mr. Morrison is the present incumbent, at 
whose suggestion this account is written. ) 

Upon the first page of Trinity Church Records appears a copy by 
H. A. Mitchell, of the Incorporation of Trinity Church Society, Town of 
Bristol, Diocese of Connecticut, Sept. 22, 1834. In this the old family 
names re-appear, together with newer members. It is signed by: Con- 
stant L. Tuttle. Ephraim Downs, Daniel Hill, Jereiniah Rice, Herald J. 
Potter, Nathaniel Matthews, Jr., Thomas Mitchell, Lazarus Harte, 
Merriman Matthews, Henry A. Mitchell, Elijah A. Shelton, Wm. E. 
Booth, Attest, Henry A. Mitchell, clerk. 

Follows a list of members, with autograph signatures, beginning 
Sept. 2, 1836. Opposite most of these is written "dead" or "removed," 
up to 1873. A few may be living — not many. It is believed that but 
three descendants of these Founders attend service in their Fathers' 
church today — so vast have been the changes in the town. 

After 1873, the signatures are more familiar and include those now 
in active work. Quotations from this old book itself will give a better 
insight than anything else could to the history of the church. 

At a Vestry Meeting, Oct. 4, 1834, held at the office of (Judge) 
Henry A. Mitchell, a committee was appointed to "solicit subscriptions 
for building a church." Note here that "tax rates" have disappeared 
and no mention is made of Hartford goal. 

Dec. 1834— Committee appointed to report on "the most eligible 
place" for church .... Vestry authorized committee to purchase 
"the lot of Dr. Titus Merriman, near the dwelling house of Alanson- 
Richards .... and not to pay over two hundred dollars for said lot." 
. . . . A committee was appointed "with full powers to inake con- 
tracts for the erection of the church .... and receive all monies 
subscribed." 

Feb. 1835 — Voted that the church should not cost "over twenty- 
two hundred dollars, exclusive of the land." 

Sept. 1835 — "Voted to offer for sail all the slips in Trinity Church, 
with the exception of the two front slips "in the square bod3^ and two 
back wall slips" . . . Also in a striking commentary on the changes 
of the past forty years, — at this early meeting of the new society, it was 
"Voted that thanks be returned to the Cong. Society for the privalidge 
of holding meetings in their Conference room, and presented bv the 
Clerk." 

"Received of the Committee .... three hundred and fifty 
Dollars in full for two Years' service ending August 2()th, 1835.- — G. C. V. 
Eastman." Ponder a while on that! Donations possibly not included. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



315 




%K f- 



&/4 



TRIXTTY CHURCH, BEFORE ITS REMOVAL TO PRESKXT SITE. 

From Photo loaned by Bristol Public Library, 



316 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Here is a curious entry: "I do hereby certify that I consider 
myself as belonging to Trinity Church, Bristol, and that I calculate to 
bare my proportion in support of the same. — Sainuel Allen." 

Meetings of 1837-8, name officers, etc.; and one reports a "bill 
dew Mr. Covell" of $160.00. 

Meeting of Dec. 8, 1838 records:- — "Voted that the Societies Com- 
mittees be authorized to sell all the land on the hill belonging to said 
Society not occupied by Graves, reserving the right of passage. Voted 
that the money raised from the sail of the sale of land and Jeremiah 
Rice Note dew the Society be appropriated to the payment of the dit 

of the Church Voted to apply the offering of the Church to 

the payment of the rearag due Mr. Covell." 

1840 — "Voted to engage the parochial services of the Rev. Joseph S. 
Covell the whole of the time for the ensuing year." 

1841 — "Voted to give leave to any member of this Society to erect 
Sheds on the west end of the Land belonging to Society." .... 

Voted to build a fence around the Society's grounds Balance 

in Treasury of $62.08. 

1842. — As certain members had built sheds on the north end of 
the land next the church, — "therefore voted to grant, establish, and 
continue to them the use of the ground on which the sheds are built." 
Mr. Covell is voted a salary of four hundred Dollars this year. 

1843.— The Society finds itself "in debt twenty-seven & 93-100 
Dollars" — yet they still continue Mr. Covell's extravagant salary .... 
but — "the Society to have the benefit of the Christian Knowledge So- 
ciety's money if they vote us any and the meeting was difsolved." 

1844 — "As near as we could get at the Debts the Society were in 
Debt between thirty & forty Dollars there fore voted to take sixteen 
Dollars of Communion funds, provided we could raise Sixteen Dollars 

more by Subscription & pay up the old Debts Voted to 

apply our Monthly offerings towards paying Mr. Covell's Salary if we 
do not Raise it without" — the said salary to be increased to $475.00 — 
"and from that up to five hundred Dollars if we, can raise it." Cautious, 
shrewd old fellows — our ancestors! They did not "raise it"— and 
long-suffering Mrs. Covell doubtless turned again her Sunday silk, and 
again pieced down the youngster's garments. They voted also to start 
a subscription to paint the church "but no one to be holden unless 
we can raise Eighty-five Dollars." This was done in June; and in 
July they raised enough besides to pay all debts up to Easter previous; 
besides "the sum of thirty Dollars to buy A Bafs Viol." It is here 
noted that the year before they had placed a Lightning Rod on the 
church, and a Chain Fence in front of it — all the modern improvements. 

1845 — "Voted to apply tcnn Dollars Communion offerings to Pay 
for Lamps Provided we could raise twenty Dollars More Which was 
raised on the spot." Remember all this was but sixty short years ago; 
and contrast the bass viol with the organ; the lightning rod with modern 
fire protection; the chain fence with the lawn; the lamps — successor 
to tallow dips — with electricity. 

1846 — Good Mr. Covell goes on a strike: — Voted to engage Mr. 
Covell, "provided we can raise a salary to his acceptance and also "Voted 
to give Charles Covill Three Dollars for making fires the past winter." 
They offered Mr. Covill $450.00, but he had accepted a call to Essex, 
and so they made him a parting gift of $98.64. 

In 1847 — Rev. Joseph H. Nichols is reported as accepting a call to 
the church; but a month later they "Pay Mr. Jones his expenses to 
New York amounting to ten Dollars to see The Rev. Mr. Cushing." 
No record of the services of either of these is given; though elsewhere 
Mr. Nichols is said to have served some time in one year. 

1848 — Rev. Henry Fitch was invited "to becom permanently our 
Rector at a Salary of $500.00 pr. Annum" — but Mr. Fitch declined; 
and they then called Rev. Frederick B. Woodard, who also declined. 



( 



OR NEW CAMBRIBGE. 



■.U7 




OVERSHOT WATERWHEEL, FOR MANY YEARS IN USE BY DUNBAR BROS 
ON SOUTH STREET. PHOTO BY GALE STUDIO. 



318 _ BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

They paused now long enough to vote to get three Cords of good 
Maple Wood Cut and Pile for seasoning for the stove for the coming 
Winter." The lack of punctuation leaves doubt as to which was to be 
seasoned- — wood, or stove by the wood. Then four successive and 
perhaps stormy meetings "opened and adjourned." At the fifth they 
agreed to call the Rev. Samuel J. Evans of the Diocese of New York — 
salary $550.00. Mr. Evans accepted. He had perhaps, city ideas, 
for at once the pulpit was repaired and altered; the "Church proper" 
somewhat rejuvenated; and a vestry was "attached to the rear of the 
church." 

As a result, in 1S49, the church is reported $100.00 in debt. 

1850 — Mr. Evans resigned and a second call was extended to Mr. 
Fitch — salary $500.00 "and give him three Months Notice if we did 
not wish him longer." This was accepted, and there be some to remem- 
ber him today. 

1851 — The bass viol was supplemented by an organ before this, 
for it was ambiguously voted to "afsume the debt of George Jones on 
the organ, by his paying Ten Dollars and voted that this Society pay 
Interest on the Organ." 

1852 — "Voted that the vestrymen keep the stove pipes from leak- 
ing." 

1853— "Voted to circulate a subscription paper for paying for the 
Organ in part or all." The elections of regular church officers, dele- 
gates and committees are reported each year, and their names may be 
found in the Record. 

1854 — "It was motioned and seckonded to raise the salary of the 
Rev. Henry Fitch." 

1855 — Mr. Fitch received $600.00. "When the bills are collected 
there will be enough to pay the debts of the Parish." 

1856— "Parish in debt $165.64— with $177.50 due the parish." 

1857 — "Voted to have the Communion and Monthly offerings Payed 
to the Treasurer." 

1858 — "Voted to shingle the South Roof." 

1859 — Mr. Fitch's letter of resignation evidently because of the low 
state of parish finances, is preserved in the records. Voted to call a 
clergyman "on such terms as the Society will be able to meet." The 
Rev. Nicholas J. Seely became rector about this time and his monu- 
ment remains even now, in the church built by his efforts. 

1860— "Monthly ofiferings not otherwise appropriated are to be 
paid into the Treasury to defray ordinary expenses." 

1861 — Herald J. Potter, Merriman Matthews and H. A. Mitchell 
were appointed a Committee of Enquiry in regard to moving church 
or building new, "in the vicinity of what is called Bristol South Side." 

1862 — "Voted to Secure the Lot of one Acre and Three Roods on 
which the House stands known as the late Joseph Ives place." — "Voted, 
Franklin Downes,* and Herald J. Potter to be a Committee to confer 
with Henry A. Seymour and secure sd. lot," and Committee appointed 
to Solicit Subscriptions for new church. 

At a Special Meeting, 1862, the purchase of said house and lot was 
authorized — (boundaries and descriptions fully recorded); the Clerk 
instructed as to loans and mortgage deed; instructions issued for the 
sale of "present lot and church building;" clerk empowered to execute 
proper deed of conveyance if sold; building -committee appointed "with 
full power to contract for, & superintend the erection of a new church 
building .... and use the name of the Society in all contracts" — 
etc, etc. This Building Committee consisted of: H. A. Mitchell, 
H. J. Potter, Nathaniel Matthews and Franklin Downes. They were 
authorized, if funds would allow, to "purchase a New Organ;" and 



* Son of Ephraim Downes and father of the writer. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



319 



three well-remembered musicians of the church (Burritt Darrow, Elmore 
Welton and Eug^ene Matthews) were requested to advise with the Build- 
ing Committee on this head. 

IStio — A Special Meeting was called in March "at the old Church 
Building" to consider finances as applied to the now completed new 
Church Building. The 1863 Annual Meeting was '"legally warned and 
held at their New Church," on Easter Tuesday. 

The first service was held the Sunday before Easter. The votes 
of 1863 cover much ground. "Voted not to pay a Delegate to Conven- 
tion his expense as has been the custom Voted to take any 

moneys now collected to pay up back arrearages of the past year 

Voted to accept the use of the Organ upon the terms proposed by the 
owners thereof .... to erect horse sheds .... to Sell the old 
Bell and get the 1279 lb. Bell that Mr. Reed saw in New York .... 
to ceil the Bell Tower over head at top of the windows .... to sell 
Nathaniel Matthews the old Book Case for three Dollars which he has 
paid for grading .... to grade the church grounds" .... Finance 
also occupies considerable time in these 1863 gatherings. 

1864 — Slips No. 11, 6o and 77 are voted to be given to Mr. Ikuritt 
Darrow, organist. Miss Dora Williams, soprano, and Miss Electa Church- 
ill, alto, for musical services. These two ladies with Franklin Downes, 
bass, and Eugene Matthews, tenor, formed probabh^ the first quartette 
choir in Bristol; broken only by the early death of Mr. Matthews. Mr. 
Darrow is the only ineinber now living (1907). 

Rev. N. J. Seeley wrote in 1898 that the entire cost of the new 
church, together with furnishings, organ, grading, fence, etc., "was 
something over Ten Thousand Dollars." A small note book in the 
possession of the writer gives a long list of contributors to this fund. 
A lesfacv was left the church this vear bv Daniel Hill. 




A BIT OF WEST CEMETERY SHOWING THE BROCKETT AND WELCH 

MONUMENTS. 



320 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 



1865- 1SG6 — Witnessed quietude and, let us trust, rest from money 
collections. 

1867 — There was a call to "supply a rector," Rev. Mr. Seeley having 
accomplished his task and resigned. The old church was later sold to 
the Methodists and moved by them to Forestville where it was afterward 
burned. 

1868 — Rev. A. E. Bishop accepted a call. 

1869 — The "Pledge System" inaugurated; and vote passed to take 
two "contributions" each Sunday. The Weltons were here interested in 
the music together with various church members — Holt, Olcott, Downes, 
Prior and others in turn, seldom mentioned on records. 

1870 — In April Mr. Bishop resigned; and in Sept. the Rev. Wm. G. 
Wells succeeded him — a pastor beloved throughout the town as well 
as in his own church. 

On April 18, 1870, Herald J. Potter, who had served as Clerk; for 
twenty-eight years, and attended every meeting, with the exception 
of three, in April 1858 — made his last entry in the old Record, and 
passed on to the Beyond. 

1872 — Rev. Mr. Wells resigned — and his loss was universally~re- 
gretted. Rev. Mr. Piggott was called, and remained nine months. 

1873 — Church land sold to Savings Bank at north of church. — 
Vote of thanks to Ingraham Co., for gift of clock. — Rev. J. D. Gilliland 
called. 

1874-5-6-7 — The entries run smoothly. Xames familiar today 
appear on the record. A few are recalled here — though there were 
others equally well known for which time for research fails. Some 
are as follows: Sutliffe, Griffin, Linstead, Funck, Muzzy, Barnum, 
Olcott, Holt, Woodward, Steele, Welton, Morgan, Pennoyer, Bradley, 
Sherman, Reed, Downes, Bassett, and so on ....... .... 

Groups of workers in different periods stand out clearly, each group 




C.\.\DEE MONUMENT, WEST CE.METERY 



OR NEW CAMBI^IDGE. 



321 



i;elated to its own day — founders, officers, committees, delegates, so- 
cieties, collectors (the former unhappy "rate gatherer";. It is a pity 
these all cannot be listed as they worked 

1878 — Rev. Mr. Gilliland resigned; and the Revs. Ockford, Pratt, 
Rogers and Nichols appear on the baptismal records for one service 
each. 

1879 — Seats assigned — not sold. 

ISSO^Owing to infirmities of age, Rev. Mr. Scott who succeeded 
Mr. Gilliland, resigned. Reference to public printing and insurance 
policies show changes from the early days. Mr. W. E. Johnson officiated 
as Lay Reader. 

1881 — S. R. Goodrich engaged as salaried organist, and certain 
collections reserved as Musical Fund. 

1882 — Voted to call Rev. W. E. Johnson as "Rector Elect from date 
of his ordination." Call accepted. This year the Wardens are author- 
ized to "take such action as they think expedient in regard to the run- 
ning and switching of trains on Sundays, to the annoyance of meinbers. 
of Trinity Parish." Shades of ye early Church of England — that such 
a vote should be needed ! . . . . A (.'oinmittee on Repairs was author- 
ized to consider cost of moving the church to High Street 

$5,000.00 offered Church Society for property on High Street — declined. 
. . •. . Committee appointed to lay concrete walk, grade yard, paint 
church, where it is, and add appliances to obtain more heat" — (this in 
lieu of "seeing that the stove pipe does not leak!") .... 

1883 — The first Rector's Vacation noted — four weeks, without 

rebate of salary Legacy left church by Mrs. Betsey Hills. 

. . . . New horse sheds erected .... same to be leased on week 
days, reserving Sunday use for persons attending service. 

1884 — Special musical action. Prof. Stubbs voted salarv to in- 
struct a vested bov choir, and hire Miss Youngs as organist. 




MKRRIAM MONUMENT, WEST CEMETERY 



322 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



1885 — Organ moved from loft to chancel and choir seated therein.. 

.... First record of paid sexton Voted to "buy presents 

for boys in choir," and paint rectory. 

1886 — First record of appointment of usher. Rev. W. E. Johnson 
tendered resignation; but was requested to reconsider "and devote his 
entire time to Trinity Parish" (probably in reference to Mission work). 
Declined, because of previous engagement. 

Rev. W. H. Watkins (former La}^ Reader) called, but declined. 
ATcommittee was appointed "to ascertain the availabilities and capabil- 
ities of Mr. , and others." Mr. Shepard appointed to read during 

vacancy. 

Rev. E. C. Johnson called and accepted, Negotiations with Rail- 
road Co. concerning sale of land, for "a new highway." 

1887 — "Voted to lease the Church Building for two religious seryices 
a week provided the consent of the Bisliop be obtained thereto." New 
concrete walk and stone gutter ordered. 

1888 — Resolutions of sorrow upon the loss of Hon. Ilenrv .\. Mit- 
chell, are entered this year. Voted to sell land ujion which church 
now stands to Wm. Linstead, for the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars 
(the original entire cost of land, church and all . 

1889 — Voted either to sell church building or to move, remodel 
and refurnish present edifice. In the Committee's re])ort we find refer- 
ences to modern improvements, parlor, dining-room, kitchen such 

as would have delighted the heart of the New York rector of 1848, who 
asked but a vestry and repairs' The Committee to move and re-model, 
consisted of Adrian J. Muzzy, Wm. Linstead and George Steele. Mr. 
Linstead and the Society each donated a strip of land five feet wide to 
form a mutual drivewav. In July 1889, a cordial invitation from the 
Official Board of the Methodist Episcopal Church to use their Church 
Building on Sunday afternoons .during the remov-il of Trinity, was 
- unanimouslv accepted with hearty apjireciation. Voted that the 




IIIE WELCri MONUMENT, WEST CEMETERY, 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



323 



following articles be ... . deposited in corner stone of eluirch on 
High street : — 

"1. All articles .... taken from old corner stone, laid in ISOL', 
and redeposited this day, Sept. 9, 1889, as follows: (Here comes list 
of Church and Daily papers, etc., of 18(52, Bible, 1859, Common Prayer 
Book, Brief History of Records from 1754 to 1862, etc.) 

"2. New articles added: Centennial Celebration of Bristol, 1885, 
View of Bristol, Daily papers of New York and Hartford, 1889, Bristol 
Press and Bristol Herald, Church Record, Coins and Fractional Currency, 
Cover of old lead box in corner stone of 1862, Brief History of Trinity 
from 1862 to 1889, Rectors and present officers, Dates, etc." The box 
was deposited in the northeast corner of the Church Building, at the 
ceremony of the laying of the corner stone, prior to placing the church 
building'in its present location on High Street 




THE SESSIONS MONUMENT IN WEST CEMETERY 



This year St. John's Mission of Forestville joined ''with Trinity 
Parish.. . . . Rev. E. C. Johnson resigned. Rev. J. C. Linsley called 

and declined Rev. Alfred Lee Royce has vote of thanks for 

his gift of a Pra^'er Desk, in memory of his father. 

1890 — Strip of land sold to Savings Bank Committee 

of four appointed to welcome strangers Rev. S. S. Mitchell 

called, declined Rev. J. H. Fitzgerald called, accepted 

Vote of thanks to Mrs. W. E. Sessions for her gift of a Lecturn to parish. 
.... Vote of thanks to Mr. Rogers for gift of Prayer Book and 

Hymnal Rules of Order for Vestry Meetings adopted 

Memorial Altar to the late Henry A. Mitchell purchased by vote of 

Vestry New Rectory built facing High Street, east of church, 

upon old rectory garden Agent appointed to represent Society 

at Hearing in regard to change of R. R. grade crossing. 

1891 — "Voted that we sign the testimonial of Charles N. Shepard 
to the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Connecticut." 



324 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



1892 — ^A^oted inslructions to cover chancel window from the intense 

colored light .... dispose of horsesheds, etc Ladies' 

Aid Society offers to be responsible for half choir salaries, which is "fully 
appreciated" by Vestry, but declined, tho the Ladies' Aid agrees to pay 

i:he Quartette At the first meeting noted as "held in the 

'Guild Rooin," a legacy from E. E. Shelton is gratefully acknowledged. 
.... Vote of thanks to Mrs. Hannah Griffin for gift of $125.UU to 

purchase a Flagon Other gifts to the church are: The Bishop's 

■chair and cushion from Mrs. C. Adeline (Downes) Perry; Reading 
Desk; for Altar in memory of Mrs. Dora (Williams) Jacobs, from the 
Ladies' Aid Society, two brass Super-Altar Vases from Adrian J. Muzzy 
.and Augustus Funck, inscribed in memory of departed ones; memorial 
Avindow^; Altar Rail; stone ' baptismal font and cover; a set of Altar 
Linen; besides other gifts for use, beauty or inemory, not all recorded 
in the boolc. 

1892 — Voted to sell the "corner lot" — Main and High Streets — 
to Mr. Linstead. 

1893 — Church lighted by electricity. 

1894-5-6 — Minutes of several stormy meetings at one of which 
Bishop Williams was present Record of several cash gifts. 

1897 — Rev. J. H. Fitzgerald, resigned Rev. John Nichols 

■offered his services as supply without salary during the vacancy. This 

was accepted with grateful appreciation Mr. Geo. Dudley 

Seymour was authorized to "do such work as he shall deem proper" 
in the old Episcopal burying ground on the hill near the site of the First 
Church." (The old burying ground was put in repair and a boulder 
later was placed upon the site of the First Church by Mr. Seymour.) 
.... On Oct. 6, 1897, it w^as voted to extend a call to the Rev. 
William H. Morrison. This was accepted and Mr. Morrison continues 

in the office at this date, July, 1907 He is one of the six Rectors 

-who have reiTiained for a period of about ten years, during the one 




LKVITT MOXIMEXT, WKST CKMETERV. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



325 




THE HULL MONUMENT IN WEST CEMETERY 



hundred and sixty odd years of the Parish existence. Great good has 
been acconipHshed under his leadership, especially during the period 

from 1902 to 1907. Membership has increased In 1898 the 

amount raised bv the Parish for church expenses was $892.00; in 1906 
a little less than $4,000.00. 

1905-6-7 — -The improvements show the work of an active Parish. 
Among them are noted: Painting of church building; church newly 
carpeted; Sunday school rooms (The Guild) re-decorated; a new brass 
pulpit and new chancel; and a beautiful Memorial Organ presented 
by Mrs. Margaret Sutliffe in memory of her husband, Samuel M. Sut- 

liffe and of her mother, Mrs. Hannah Griffin For many years 

Miss Inez Beckwith is noted on the records, as organist; with Mrs. 

Florence Leigh as leader of the Vested Choir The Rectory, 

during these years has been improved by the introduction of electricity 
and gas, a far cry fro in candles, and fire-wood cut early "to season.'' 
. . . . New concrete walks are laid and grading is also done, in these 

recent records The Ladies' Aid Society has always been a 

most iinportant factor in the life of the church; and for many years 
has helped to lift the l)urdens of a struggling Parish, 

Of the usual "church troubles" Trinity has had only its allotted 
share; but until all men are so constituted that all think alike there 
must be that difference of opinion, which, in the end is all good, for it 
spells progress, after all. 

Since 1860 the record shows year by year, the name of the l)eloved 



326 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



and venerated Bishop Williams, side by side with the Confirmation 
Lists. Following him comes our Bishop Brewster and twice only does 
the name of Bishop, other than these, appear: Bp. Seabury and Bp. 
Niles of New Hampshire Partial lists of marriages and bap- 
tisms appear elsewheie — tho seemingly very incomplete The 

Clerks of the Parish were: H. A. Mitchell, 1834; Elijah Shelton, 1835^ 
1842- H. J. Potter, 1842-1871; A. H. Barnum (supply), 1871; S. M. 
SutUffe, 1872-1880; A. J. Muzzy, 1880-1895; Geo. T. Waterhouse, 
1895-1897; A. J. Muzzy, 1897 to date, 1907. It would be of great 
interest had these records all been writ fuller— personal relations of 
pastor and people — the life of those who made the Church; but as each 
entry is complete or lacking according to the whim of the Clerk who 
recorded, it is only left for the student of human nature to read between 
the lines', and then shrewdly guess the history of those old days — the 
toil of those bygone people — their self-denial, service, and weary struggles, 
all for conscience sake. 




UKNEKAI. VIKW OF THE OLD NORTH CK .MKTK K V . 



'new CAMBRIDGE." 327 



NOTES ABOUT THE FIRST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH. 



The Burning of the First Episcopal Church and Some 
Otems Items of Early History. 

By Mrs. Ellen Lewis Peck. 

THE First Episcopal Church stood on the Federal Hill Green on 
the spot where is now a boulder placed by Mr. George D. Seymour 
to mark the site. Its adjacent burial ground was directly east 
of the building, where it still remains. 

Mr. Abel Lewis, my grandfather, who had built a house in 1793, 
on the corner and kept an inn, bought the Church after it had ceased 
to be used for religious purposes and used it as a bam. One day, Mr. 
Lewis's brother, who lived near the north burying ground saw a steady 
line of smoke rising from the back end of the barn and mounting his 
horse rode down to see what it meant. There had been blasting near 
there and it was supposed a spark of fire went through a knot hole into 
the hay. The windows and contents of the barn excepting the hay 
were removed, but the heavy oak timbers and hay burned constantly for 
over three weeks. Water was impossible to be got on the Hill, but finally 
a long rain came and nearly put it out, but it smouldered for some time 
longer 

The windows were afterwards put into a gambrel roofed house, 
which Mr. Lewis built as a dwelling-house and store for Mr. George 
Mitchell, who had been a clerk for Mr. Thomas Barnes in a store near 
his dwelling-house opposite the Bristol House. Mr. Mitchell lived in 
the east part of the building and the store was in the west end. After 
his removal the store was continued by Mr. Lewis till he removed to 
the foot of the Hill at the end of Maple street, after the Hartford and 
Danbury Turnpike, now North street and Farmington avenue, was 
opened. The south half of the second story of his house on the Hill 
had a nice ball room, where nmnerous balls and dances were held and 
he furnished suppers and also sold beer and other liquors and cakes. 

On public occasions, as training days, etc., the Green was the center 
of festivities. One Fourth of July, tables were set on the Green for 500 
guests at once, who had a generous dinner of turkeys, chicken pies and 
all accompanying "fixin's." The tables were screened by a row of 
trees set as an arbor by the young men of the town. The church bells 
were rung in the early morning and an oration and address delivered. 

There was no road running east and west between Lewis and Federal 
streets till the turnpike was cut through, when Mr. Hinman built a 
rival tavern at the foot of Maple street. Mr. Lewis bought him out and 
moved into that house in order to keep the stage passengers and horses 
which he did tintil his death in 1820. After his death his daughter ran 
the tavern for a while and the store on a small scale till her death in 
1853. The store and house were known as Aunt Roxa's for many years. 



328 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Old Episcopal Cemetery 



THE accompanj-ing material was kindly furnished by Judge 
Epaphroditus Peck, and his letter of October 14, 1897 to the 
Bristol Press, will prove of great value in supplementing the 
information obtained by the Rev. Charles N. Shepard. 

Editor of the Bristol Press: 

"Mr. George Dudley Seymour, who had lately cleaned up the old Epis- 
copal Cemetery on the hill, has handed me the following copy of the in- 
scription on the stones made by Rev. Charles N. Shepard in 1891: 

The fragments, last mentioned are shown by a list of stones made by 
Miss Kezia A. Peck in 1851, to belong together, and to^be a stone to the 
memory of Lent Price, who died 1809, aged 42." 

Perhaps here it will not be out of place to express the earnest hope 
that in the immediate future, steps will be taken to permanently pre- 
serve this historic old burying place. A simple iron fence would afford 
the needed protection, and future generations will point to this spot 
as the most historic place in the town. To the editor, it seems almost 
a sacrilege that it is left in its present unprotected condition. Who 
will do this little labor of love! 

Inscriptions from the remaining tombs in the burying ground of 
the Pre-Revolution Episcopal Church of New Cambridge, copied bv 
Mr. Charles N. Shepard of Bristol, April 20, 1891. 

In Memory of Mr 

Jarard Ailing Hoo 

Departed This Life 

September The 12 1794 

in the 24 year of His 

Age 

you yong companians all 

of the dere youth 
That by his deth are cold 

read this truth 

That suddin you may die 

AWay your soul may fly 

Into eternit}^ 

Which hath no end. 

(This stone appears to be the first work of a youthful amateur.) 

Here lies ye Body of 

Mrs. Phebe Wife of 

Mr. Thomas Beach she 

died Aprl ye: 30th 1758 

in ye: 91st year of 

her Age. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



329 



r^^^sp^f 




The graves chuwn in the ihustration are numbered, and are as 

follows : 

Mrs. Athildred ('arrington. 

A. B. Carrington. 
Salmon Mathews. 

:\Irs. Hannah Hill. 
Mrs. Ruth Mathews. 
Rhoda Royce. 
Maurice INhithews. 
Mrs. Nehemiah Royce. 
Stephen Brooks. 
Jarard Ailing. 
John Hickox. 
Abel Rovs. 



No. 


1. 


No. 


2. 


No. 


o 
O. 


No. 


4. 


No. 


5. 


No. 


6. 


No. 


7. 


No. 


8. 


No. 


9. 


No. 


10. 


No. 


11. 


No. 


12. 


No. 


13. 



330 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Here Lieth Interr'd 

the Body of Mr , 

Stephen Brooks 

Who Departed this 

Life May ye 16th AD. 

1773 in the 71st year 

of his Age 

Behold & see as you Pass by 
As you are now so once was I. 
As I are now so you must be 
Prepare For death & follow me. 

A. B. Carrington 

departed this life 

June 2, 1824 

AE 29. 

(Footstone, marked A. B. C.) 

In 

Memory of 

Mrs. Ath'ildred 

wife of 

Mr. Lemuel Carrington, 

who died 

Dec. 10th, 1811 

In the 58th year 

of her age. 

A pleasing form, a generous gentle heart, 
A good companion, honest without art, 
Just in her dealings, faithful to her friend, 
Belov'd in hfe, lamented in the end. 

Hear Lies the 

Body of Mr JOSEPH 

GAYLORD Who 

Departed This Life 

Octr ye 20th AD 1791 

In the 70th year of 

His Age. 

In Memory of 

Mr Cornelius 

Graves Junr who 

Departed this 

life October the 

7th 1781 in the 25 

Year of his 

Age. 

(Footstone marked Cornelius Graves.) 
Probably the father of the noted Stephen Graves^of the Tory Den. 

Here lies 

ye Body of 

Hannah wife of 

Cornelius Graves 

She died Novmr 

ye 17, 1759 :in 

ye 34 year of 

her Age. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 331 

In Memory of 

Mr John Hickox 

he died Febrv 14th 

1765 in ye:''68th 

year of his Age. 

(Footstone marked J. H.) 

In Memory of Mrs 

Hannah Hill ve: Wife 

of Mr Dan Hill 

She Died Febry ye 

13th 1766 in ye: 

29th year of 

her Age. 

(Footstone marked Hannah Hill.) 

In Memory of Capt 

Caleb Mathews 

Who Departed this 

life April ye 7th 1786 

In the 83d year of 

his Age. 

(Footstone marked Caleb Mathews.) 

In Memory of 
Mrs Ruth Consort 

of Capt Caleb 
Mathews. Who 
Departed this life 

November 3d 

1785 In the 73d 

year of her Age. 

(Footstone marked Ruth Mathews.) 

In Memory of 

Mamre Daugtr of 

Capt Caleb & Mrs 

Ruth Mathews She 

died April ye 25th 

1759 in ye 14th year 

of her Age. 

(This stone is almost illegible, but I think I have deciphered it 

correctly. The grave is short and the footstone marked M. M.) 

lu Memory of 

Mr. NATHANIEL MATHEWS 

who died Feb. 15, 1806 

aged 78 j^ears 

"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. 

(Footstone marked N. M.) 

In 

Memory of 

Mr. Salmon Mathews, 

Son of Mr Nathaniel & 

Mrs. Martha Mathews, 

who died 

Dec. 27th 1803 

acred 35 vears. 



332 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Death is a debt to nature due, 
Which I have paid and so must you. 

In Memory of Mr 
Abel Roys he Died 
Septr ye 6th 1769 in ye 69th 
year of his Age. 
Behold and se as you pass 
by as 3'ou are now so once 
was I 
(Footstone marked A. R. i 

Here Lies the Bodv of 
Mr NEHEMIAH ROY 
CE Who Departed This 

Life Feb (?)— 
AD 1791 In the 

* 69th Year of His Age 

Behold and see, as you pass by 
As you are now, so once was I. 
As I am now so you must be, 
Prepare for death and follow me. 

(The inscription on this stone is in very poor condition; the latter 
part of the fourth line is wholly gone and the figures of the year and 
age (except the 6) are very indistinct, and I may have read them 
wrongly. The footstone is marked Nehemiah Royce.) 

Here Lies Buried, the Bodv 

of Mrs RHODA ROYCE ' 

the Wife of Mr Nehemiah Ro 

Rovce, Who Died August 

29th AD 1786: in the 61st 

year of her Age. 

(Footstone marked Rhoda Royce.) 

The top of a marble slal) in two pieces inscribed: 

In 
Memory of - 

NT RICE 

Another marble fragment possibly of the same slab marked: i 

AE 42 j 

Ten tender plants ' 

To mourn my dear 

O ina)' we meet 1 

When Christ from dea 

Oct. 27, 1899, Rev. Alfred Lee Royce identifies this fragment as 
belonging to the above stone, by the age and the mention of ten children. 

It appears from record of inscriptions in the old yard made by Miss 
K. A. Peck in 18ol, that this stone is to Lent Rice, who died 1809, 'ae 42. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



]3rlgllt^vood Hair 



Bv Fred Calvin Xurton 

Passengers on the Highland Division, passing through Bristol, 
notice as they look out of the ear windows an imposing castle of granite 
on the hill west of the town, within sound of the busy hum of Bristol's 
industries. It stands as a sort of sentinel over the thriving town of 
commerce much as did the old English castles over the more peaceful 
towns of England and Scotland .iU(i years ago. 

Brightwood Hall, the name of the castle, is more interesting to the 
traveler Avhen he is told that the owner, Mrs. Helen Atkins-McKay, 
daughter of Bristol's millionaire clock manufacturer is deterred from 
finishing the structure on account of ill health and that the finishing 
touches will probably be made after her death. 

For years she planned, worked and thought over the erection of 
this magnificent country seat and its completion was one of the great 
aspirations of her life; but the erection of castles of this sort entail much 
arduous studv and planning. Mrs. Atkins-McKay is now well along m 




BRIGHTWOOD HALL 



* Publisheii in ITarlfonl Cnurant. Mav 'J?. 100-1 



334 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

years, her health is poor and she will probably be an invalid the re- 
mainder of her days, so that the completion of the granite pile, the aim 
and thought of her life will have to be left for others. She has spent 
on the estate to date at least $150,000 and its completion means that 
$75,000 more will have to be spent. 

Brightwood Hall, had it been completed, would have been a sort 
of monument to the Welch family of Bristol, of which Mrs. Atkins- 
McKay is a member. Her father was the late ex-Senator Elisha X. 
Welch, who commenced his bttsiness life here wheeling iron in a small 
foundry on North Main street but ended as the millionaire clock manu- 
facturer of Connecticut. He was bom in East Hampton and came to 
Bristol when a young man and bought out the old Brown clock factor}' 
in Forest ville. He did not know anything more about clock making 
then than any other shrewd Yankee did; but he built up a business 
that was not equalled in the state during his life. His clocks were 
known all over the world and he died in Bristol not so many years ago, 
possessed of an estate estimated at $3,000,000. 

He left several children, the oldest of whom was Mrs. Atkins-McKay 
the castle builder. Her old home Avas for many years on West street 
in Bristol and there she was born in what is now known as the Gaylord 
house. Her father lived there when a young man and in that neighbor- 
hood he saw the first early successes of his busy life. When Mrs. Atkins- 
McKay became older she gained the idea that she Avanted a fine country 
seat in the neighborhood of her youthful home and with this in mind 
she planned for years towards its realization. \ woman of more than 
ordinary ability, of wide reading and scholarly inclinations, she travelled 
in all parts of the world. Fourteen times she crossed the Atlantic 
Ocean. She visited the art galleries of Venice. Milan, Rome and other 
cities, studied their treasures and gained much information about her 
scheme of erecting a castle in her native town. 

She visited Abbotsford, the home of Sir Walter Scott, studied the 
medieval castles in both England and Scotland and was a student of 
classical architecture for many years before she consulted an architect 
about the bviilding of her house. 

At length she decided on what she wanted to do and coming to 
her old home here purchased from the Tracy Peck estate about six- 
teen acres of land which was directly across the street from where she 
lived as a girl. The tract of land is on a hill west of the town and is 
one of the best locations for a country seat that one will find short of 
the Bcrkshires. It is on an elevation of 500 feet from the sea level and 
from the grassy slopes in front of the castle, can be seen all but the low- 
land district of the busy town. To the north and south stretch the 
ranges of green hills that make Bristol so beautiful. To the southeast 
can be seen Meriden Mountain and South Mountain in Bristol which 
divides New Haven and Hartford Counties. 

About eighteen A^ears ago the owner first commenced the work 
of transforming her purchase into a baronial estate and it has gone for- 
ward each year until within a short period when ill health compelled 
her to desist from further effort. First she caused to be erected a granite 
wall four feet high around the front portion of her estate. A lodge 
for the superintendent was erected at one corner, after the English 
fashion and at the top of the grassy slope the foundations for the castle 
were laid. The architect who drew the plans was H. Neil Wilson of 
Pittsfield, Mass., but Mrs. Atkins-McKay's was the real planning mind 
of the whole structure. The granite for the noble pile was taken from 
the town much of it was quarried on the estate she bought and it is 
of particularly fine color and effect. And the stone was cut and fitted 
on the grounds. 

A Frenchman, Adrian Taillion, who had come from Canada a few 
years previous, built the castle. Without any training except what 
he gave himself, lie started tlie work antl carried it on imtil it was stopped 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



335 




RESIDENCE MRS. ATKINS-MCKAV BRIGHTWOOD. 



a few years ago. He had a big gang of experienced masons at work 
on the castle but it is said of him that he ahvays laid more stone than 
any two of the men laboring for him. The work of constructing the 
mammoth structure was slow and only a small portion was done each 
year. It is now coinpleted so far as the outside is concerned and the 
interior is partitioned off so that one can get an idea of the grand pro- 
portions of the hall. 

The main building is of Gothic design, principally, although Mrs. 
Atkins-KcMay told the writer tha't it belonged to no particular school 
of architecture but that it was a combination of several. It is about 
150 feet long and 50 feet wide, is really three stories high and has an 
ell part erected in the rear which is 40 by 30 feet. The whole building 
is of granite which is of a light color. The illustration accompanying 
this article shows the castle facing the east and the main entrance to 
the hall is shown in the center. 

At the left of the illustration is the tower with the English battle- 
ments from which one obtains a fine view. Below this is the porte 
cochere. where the visitor alights from his carriage to enter the hall. 
At the left hand corner under the tower is the entrance, a grand affair 
of massive granite. The interior is divided into three rooms of large 
dimensions, each being at least forty by thirty feet in size. The" recep- 
tion hall is the first room as one enters and this is designed for a drawing 
room also as was the custom in the baronial castles of England. At 
the further end is a great fire-place and in the south end of the reception 
hall is an alcove twenty by twenty feet which is designed for the library 
of the hall. The ceiling of ])aneled oak is very high and the windows of 
modern size. Two large doors lead to the hall pro]>er as was the case 
in the old castles of England. This baronial hall is one of the most 
impressive rooms in the whole building. 

Over the main entrance to the hall is the coat of arms of the family, 



336 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 



the Latin inscription on which is "Auspice Numinee." The tablet 
which is of granite and cleverly executed was made in England and 
brought to Bristol by Mrs. Atkins-McKay. The hall reaches across the 
castle and overhead to the extreme top of the big building. It is modeled 
after the old style so that the ceiling of the hall is the roof of the castle. 
This admits of a fine effect inside, with a grand staircase winding up to 
each side of the broad galleries surrounding the hall. This reminds 
one of the pen pictures of the galleries in the baron's hall of old Eng- 
land, and of the festal occasions which so often took place around them. 

The hall is large enough to hold a troop of horsemen and an assem- 
blage of people numbering several hvmdreds, could find easy accom- 
modation inside. One Bristol contractor said not a great while ago 
that the completion of this h^l alone meant an outlay of at least $10,000. 
The whole building is on a grand scale and no expense has been spared 
thus far to make it a thing of beauty and of massive elegance. 

From the hall the visitor walks through another great portal into 
the banquet hall of the castle which is a huge room with high ceiling, 
as large as the reception hall at the left of the illustration. Doors open 
from the banquet hall to the quarters of the maids and butlers and in 
the rear of the castle is the servants quarters. The kitchen is back 
of the banquet hall. The floor is of cement and tile was to have been 
laid in it. A great oven large enough for a New York hotel occupies a 
prominent place. 

After seeing the first floor one ascends to the second by the great 
staircase which is a work of art so far as stair-building is concerned. 
A wide hallway extends across the rear of the chambers which are six 
in number and all of such size as castle chambers should be. The tower 
chamber is one of the pleasantest in the castle and there is still one 




l.OC, CABIN ON KALI. MOUNTAIN. 

{ PhotograpJi byMilo Leon Norton.) 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



33V 



i 

1 

u 






m. 






ll^W^ 


^^^Wi^^m^^B^K*^^^^^Sm^^^^^^^m 








^^mP"? ■ 




i Ui 

Mil VM 








II 11 i 


■lil 1 ^ ■ '"". ■ 



THE OLD SAMUEL LADD HOME PEACEABLE STREET. 

Since destroyed by fire. Photo loaned by Mrs. Bassett. 



above this which makes that portion of tlie buildhig three stories high. 
The attic is so arranged that one may go there and w^alk out on the 
battlements to enjoy the view'. The whole strvictiire impresses one 
as European and makes one realize more than ever the grand homes 
of old England. 

The stable is of similar construction to the castle and is not far 
froin the main building. There are quarters for the stablemen and 
coachmen and the ceiling of the stable is finished in quartered oak, 
representing a large outlay of money. In a large chest in the harness- 
room is a fine bear skin rug which Mrs. Atkins-McKav purchased in 
Stockholm a few years ago. This is said to be worth at least $1,000 and 
was originally designed to decorate the hall of the castle. 

Mrs. Atkins-McKay erected in the summer of 18S8 about the time 
work was commenced on her castle, a cottage in the rear of the big 
structure which she intended for a summer residence during the tiine 
her great house was building. She has occupied this at different periods 
since but most of her time has been spent in traveling abroad. She 
is now and has been for some time at her cottage which she calls Bright- 
wood cottage and will probably always remain there. Tn the south 
range of mountains a few miles away stands a log cabin that was erected 
by her a few years ago and this is on an elevation of nearly 1,000 feet 
above the sovmd. From this place the views are grand and are probably 
not exceeded in the state. 



n3S 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




TIIK TOWN BUILDING, NORTH MAIN STREET. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



339 



Bristol's Early Industries 



By Hon. Noble E. Pierce. 

The following is a compilation of Roswell Atkins' Notes on the early industries of 
Bristol, other than the clock business, by Hon. Noble E. Pierce. One or two unimportant 
changes are placed in brackets. 

THE early history of the manufacturing enterprises of the town 
is for the most part extremely vague as to location and dates. 
The earliest ventures in that line seem to have been confined to 
the immediate necessities of the people — the grist mill to fit 
the grain for consumption, the spinning wheel and loom, the fulling 
mill, the tannery and the shoe shop, the tin shop in which was made 
the ovens, sometimes called Dutch ovens, to set before the large fire- 
place to bake meat and bread, at the same time the potatoes and other 
vegetables were boiling over the fire or roasting in the ashes beneath. 

Previous to the incorporation of the town (1785) only tradition 
and the assessment rolls give any clues to the occupations of the in- 
habitants. This is indicated by the imposition of what was called a 
faculty tax, apparently because certain men were able to command 
more compensation than from farming alone. Thus we find in 1760, 
in addition to the farms and stock assessed to Benjamin Churchill, twenty- 
four pounds faculty tax. He had a saw-mill but what beside that is 
not known. Abel Lewis 1775, fifteen pounds, he was a merchant; 1765, 
Samuel Deming twenty pounds, and in 1775, thirty pounds — this was 
for a grist mill; Zebvilon Frisbie and Thomas Hungerford ten pounds, 




*^ >*«frV.Vt.UXiCtt?CitvXX.Ti^>lSx>^V^^^ 



VIEWS OF TERRY & ANDREWS CLOCK FACTORY, 1856. 

Factory was built on ruins of old Terry Factory, burned about 1840. From Ambertypes 
taken by William A. Terry. 



340 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

they had tanneries; Josiah Holt, 1776, fifteen pounds, he was a doctor; 
James Lee eighteen to twenty pounds, his business was blacksmithing; 
James Stoddard 1760, thirty-five pounds, business unknown; Seth 
"Roberts twenty-five pounds, probably for a store; Gideon Roberts 
twelve pounds, probably for the manufacture of clocks. In 1779, 
Abel Lewis was assessed seventy-five pounds, innkeeper and merchant. 
These taxes were not always the same for different years, nor does the 
list state the grovmd on which the faculty tax was laid, and the amounts 
vary from one to thirty-five pounds. 

These taxes w^ere continued in a similar form, giving the occupa- 
tion and substituting the decimal sj'stem for the pounds up to about 
1849. In 1823 there were forty-nine persons assessed from five to 
seventy-five dollars; in 1810 doctors were assessed thirty-four to one 
hundred dollars; taverners twenty dollars, blacksmiths seventeen dollars; 
grist millers thirty to forty dollars; sawmills ten to thirty dollars, car- 
penters and joiners ten to thirty dollars; clothiers forty dollars; tinners 
fifteen to fifty dollars; tanners and shoe makers seventeen dollars; 
silversmiths seventeen dollars; attorney-at-law one hundred and sixty- 
seven dollars. 

The first gristmill built within the parish limits was, as far as can 
be known, owned by Joseph Plumb in 1741 on the south side of the 
river from the Pierce homestead, followed soon after by the sawmill 
on the north side opposite where a clothing shop was also built, about 
the same time Samuel Deming owned the gristmill called the Langdon 
or Downs mill, which was erected soon after the other. 

Tanneries and shoe shops were also located in different sections 
soon after the middle of the century. Jabez Roberts in 1750 tanned 
leather by the old English processes until it would withstand attacks 
of water for any reasonable time, the local forests furnishing the ma- 
terial from which to extract tannin suitable for the different uses, hem- 
lock for the sole leather, oak for the uppers, and sumac for the linings 
and finer soft leathers. 

Wood turning was also established, the forests furnishing abund- 
ance of the best materials for making articles for household use, trenchers 
or plates, clothes pins, rolling pins, mortars and pestles, faucets for 
the cider and vinegar barrels, awl handles, pin boxes, lather boxes, 
which were made of different woods to suit the fancies of the customers, 
and a lookingglass was inserted in the cover of the box. combs were 
manufactured q.uite extensively made from wood or the horns of cattle 
and there were several shops for their manufacture; numerous spinning- 
wheels required in order to furnish clothing, demanded a supply which 
was made by the mechanical skill of ou,r fathers, and the whole outfit 
from the growing of the wool upon the body of the sheep and the pulling 
of the flax in the held to the finished cloth or stocking was provided 
for by local manufacture, and specimens of this handiwork are still 
numerous in the garrets of our farm houses with the initials of the makers' 
name branded on them^J. B. for Joel Baldwin, who made a foot lathe 
for turning'the several parts; he lived at what is now called the "Crit- 
tenden place" in Stafford district. (Joseph Byington, also made spin- 
ning wheels on Fall Mountain, and some of the "J. B.'s" are his initials.) 

Tin shops seem to have been quite numerous in different parts of 
the town, one of two on red stone hill, one on the south mountain, one 
on the corner of School and West streets and in other places. In 1804. 
there were in all eleven tin shops, together with two cloth manufac- 
turers, four tanners and shoe makers, two gristmills, three sawmills, 
two carding mills, four blacksmiths, one silversmith, two merchants, 
two doctors, one lawyer, and several taverns. 

The tin shops sent their production far and wide over the country 
imtil the Yankee tin peddler was known throughout the whole country, 
they were not all from Bristol, but Bristol supjjiied its full quota. These 
tin peddlers also sold the wooden trenchers and other wfioden articles 
before mentioned. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



341 



.Vllt'inpts to develop the ircjii industry of the town were early entered 
upon. Beside the blacksmith, search was made for iron ore, and the 
most prominent place was on north Chippin's Hill near the Burlington 
line. This was leased by Luke Gridley who experimented upon the 
ore which was pronounced of excellent quality, and in order to work 
it successfully he applied to the Legislature for the privilege of a lottery 
to raise about three hundred pounds, his petition was endorsed by about 
forty of the principal business nien of the surrounding towns, the petition 
was referred to a committee who made a favorable report thereon. It 
is said that some of the ore was reduced and it is probable that it was 
reduced at what was called the forge, which was situated at what is now 
known as Pequabuck Falls near the Plymouth line. This forge was 
established before 1785 as part interests therein were sold from time to 
time until 1807, John Rich sold his interest to Sherman Johnson, retain- 
ing the use of one lire sufiicient to make one ton of iron per year for 
live years; that this was not a black.smith shop is evident, as mention 
is made of one on the same premises "located near the forge." 

The clock industry created a demand for castings for weights, 
also bells, which was inet by the establishment of a casting shop or 
foundry, and there were two of this kind as early as 1831. Orrin Judson 
and Lord S. Hills established one on what is now Union street, east of 
the brook where Claytons' shear shop stands, and another was estab- 
lished on what is now West street by George Welch, the former of these 
was not long used as it was not easily reached and was probably sold 
to Welch and Mr. Hills was taken into the employ of Mr. Welch. It 
is also said that Mr. Hills at one time had a small foundry on what is 
now Vallev street for a short time. 




GILDIN*G ROO.M, "RRICK SHOP," MAY. 1888. 

From Pliolo loaned by Mrs. Gilbert Lvon. 



342 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

The Welch casting shop passed into the hands of Elisha N. Welch 
who removed it to North Main street, where it was managed by him 
vmtil about 1852, when Mr. Welch entered into partnership with Mr. 
Harve}^ Gray and bought out the inachine business which had been 
established by Atkins, Allen & Co. on West street, of which Mr. Gray 
was superintendent, and removed it to a shop built for the purpose 
adjoining the foundry. In this shop machinery was made suitable 
for making clocks. Presses adapted for the particular uses of clock- 
making, lathes for turning the several parts, so that every one of a 
thousand should be a duplicate of its fellow. The foundry business 
was carried on in this place under different names until the National 
Water Wheel Co. took possession of this plant for the manufacture 
of water wheels. 

The Bristol Foundry Company followed and conducted the foundry 
business for a time on the ground where Eaton's elevator and the brick 
shop of the J. H. Sessions & Son, factory are now located, the business 
being conducted by Gra)^ & Bentley, and later by Gilbert Bentley and 
Andrew Terry, the ground where the fotmdry was located having been 
held by them under a lease from 1873 until 1876, when they bought 
the land on Laurel street and removed the foundry thereto, greatly 
enlarged it, and in 1879 sold out to John H. Sessions, who associated 
with him his son, William E. Sessions, and they conducted the business 
under the name of the Sessions Foundry Co. at that place until 1895, 
when the building of the present plant of the Sessions Foundry Co. 
was completed, which is now the largest and best equipped foundry 
plant east of Chicago. [End of the Atkins Notes.] 

Concerning the old forge, which was the forerunner of the present 
extensive iron works of the Sessions Foundry Co., the writer has in- 
formation obtained from his grandfather, who was familiar with the 
plant, and who was well acquainted with its proprietors. Ore was 
brought from the Salisbury mines by teams, unloaded at the top of 
the hill, near where the railway embankment now is, or a little east of 
where the railway emerges from the hills and parallels the road near 
the Devil's Backbone. The old road was obliterated for some distance 
when the railway was built, but can be traced for a short distance at 
the top of the hill, at about the same height as the railway. It was 
lowered about twenty feet by the railway company, and about twenty 
feet more by the tramway compan}^ when the Terryville trolley line 
was built. The ore was conveyed to the forge which stood on the bank 
of the river, through a chute, and was there wrought into rods by means 
of trip-hammers, to be sold to blacksmiths. In digging for the founda- 
tions of an enlargement of the buildings, iron ore was discovered, and 
some of it worked into bars. One of the workmen told the grandfather 
of the writer, that he could always tell when he was forging iron from 
this ore, as it was far superior to the Salisbury product. It was not ob- 
tained in large qviantitics, however, and its working was only experi- 
mental. The cost of hauling the ore over the Litchfield hills, was the 
principal reason for the abandonment of the enterprise. 

So valuable a water privilege could not escape the notice of the 
thrifty manufacturers of Bristol. A natural dam, consisting of a spur 
of rock, covered M'ith a thin layer of soil, and forest trees, which ex- 
tended in the remote ages across the valley, at this point not more than 
a hundred yards in width, the only connecting link between Fall Mountain 
and Chippens Hill, was gradually eaten away by the river, until a chasm 
was made through which the lake above was eventitally drained. So 
narrow was this natural dam it was possible to sit astride of it, and 
because of its resemblance to the spine of some imaginary monster, 
it was dubbed by the early settlers, the Devil's Backbone. It was not 
until 1837, however, that the privilege was utilized, after its abandon- 
ment by the Forge Companv. In that year, inspired no dovibt by the 
organization of The Bristol Manufacturing Co. and the building of the 
South Side satinet mill, a knitting company was formed, known as 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE.'' 



343 



The Bristol Falls Co., to Avhom Ebenezer Miller and Hiram ("amp con- 
veyed their interest in the property, which included the water privi- 
lege, factory and other buildings standing thereon. The company was 
not recorded as an organization until 1839, with a capital of $20,000; 
Richard Peck, President, Ebenezer Miller, and Joshua I. Taylor, Direc- 
tors. Chauncey and Noble Jerome, and other leading business men 
of Bristol, were stockholders. Reports were made as recjuired by law 
in 1839 and 1840, but there is no further report. It is understood that 
it was a short-lived affair. 

In 1853 The Ames vShovel Co. was organized by Bristol cajtitalists, 
John Birge, President, with a capital of $10,000, acquirhig the buildings 
of the Falls Co., and manufacturing shovels, spades, scoops, hoes, forks 
and other farm implements. The stockholders were John Birge, Theo- 
dore Terrv, Edwin Ames, E. L. Dunbar, Winthrop Warner, Alphonso 
Barnes. Thomas Barnes, 2d, and Wallace Barnes Annual reports 
were made in the years 1854, 1855 and 1856, when they ceased. The 
business was wound up, and put into the hands of S. R. Gridley, as 
Receiver. After standing idle a number of years the buildings were 
torn down, sometime in the sixties. It was understood that Edwin 
Ames, the Secretary of the Company, was taken into the business prin- 
cipally to secure his name and to thus profit by the reputation of the 
firm of the same name in Massachusetts. It was not a success. 

It may not be generally known that the Stafford oil well was not 
the first effort made to strike "ile" by Bnstol captalists. In 1865, the 
Pequabuck Oil Co. was organized, with a capital of $12,000; ^Xoah 




1' ■ ----^Sr^^*^"---^--^^^^ 




nr"Wimi.iim»TiV>im t 






THE OM) INGRAHAM CLOCK-CASE SHOP 0.\ I'O.M) STKICET. FRONT PART 

WAS OLU CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, BURLINGTON. 



344 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Pomeroy, President, S. R. Gridley, W. H. Nettleton, H. A. Seymour 
and Wallace Barnes, being the other stockholders. A well was bored 
in the oil regions of Pennsylvania, Mr. Seymour superintending the 
work, but no oil was found. 

In 1869 The American Coal Barge Co. was organized in Bristol, 
with Elias Ingraham, as President. A coal barge was constructed at 
New Haven, after a design by a Mr. Preston, of that city, which was 
calculated to load and unload coal mechanically, obviating the expen- 
sive process of hand shoveling which had been previously employed. 
The barge was a success, coal being taken on at New Jersey ports, 
transported to New Haven and unloaded there, at a great saving of 
expense. The hard times coming on, about that time, discouraged 
the investors, and the business was sold. The Consolidated road is 
now practically following the same method in transporting and un- 
loading its coal supply. 




RAILROAD VIEW, 1863. Cut loaned by M Ho Leon Xorton. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



345 



THE BRISTOL PRESS 




A. S. BARNES. 



THE founder, editor and for seventeen years proprietor of The 
Bristol Press, was C. H. Riggs. The first number of The Press 
was published on March 9, 1871. The Press was started in a 
small way upon prepaid subscriptions and borrowed money 
with very insufficient material and machinery, but it made the best of 
circumstances and held on its course. 

The paper owed its origin to the suggestion of Rev. W. W. Belden, 
then pastor of the Congregational Church, and to the helping purses of 
Messrs. X. L. Birge, Elias Ingraham, J. H. Sessions and Josiah T. Peck, 
each of whom advanced forty dollars in aid of the enterprise. All were 
repaid out of the first year's profits. The subscription list at first con- 
sisted of about two hundred and fifty names. 

The first office occupied by the paper and connected job printing 
business was the second story of a frame building twenty feet square, 
adjoining Seymour's block, next to the railroad. Here, with a Washing- 
ton hand press for newspaper work, and a Novelty job press, the editor 
started a five-column folio "patent outside" paper, the type for the 
inside being mostly \\-hat had been worn out and thrown aside in an 
office in New York state. 

The editor had gained some knowledge of type-setting and printing 
while teaching school, but was far from being expert in the art. How- 
ever, with the assistance of a girl, who was greener at the business than 
he was, he resolutely set to work, and in the face of difficulties, he entered 
upon his new career. 



346 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Before the first year was ended new quarters were secured in S. B. 
Root's factor}^ on lower Main street wliere with power presses, the busi- 
ness greatly increased. In 1877 a building was erected by H. S. Pratt 
onfMain street, opposite Muzzy 's corner and to this building the busi- 
ness was removed, Mr. Pratt becoming a partner. 

Mr. Pratt remained in the partnership less than two years, 
when Mr. Riggs resumed the entire ownership. In 1880 another office 
was built in the rear of what was then Gale's studio on the east side of 
Main street. This building about 1890 was removed to Riverside ave- 
nue where The Press was published for seventeen years. 

In August, 1888, Mr. Riggs the founder of the paper, disposed of 
the business to Messrs. Haviland & Duncan, of Southington. Mr. 
Thomas H. Dvmcan became editor and manager and remained as such 
until December, 1891, when the Bristol Press Publishing Co., with a 
capital stock of $10,000, purchased the l)usine.ss. The first officers of 
the company Avere: O. F. Strunz, President; J. H. Sessions, Jr., Vice 
President; S. K. Montgomery, Secretary; Richard Baldwin, Treasurer. 
Mr. C. H. Riggs was employed as editor and manager until April, 1893, 
when he was succeeded by Mr. H. H. Palmer of New Haven. Mr. 
Palmer remained with The Press less than a year when Mr. Wallace H. 
Miller took charge of the paper as editor and manager. 

Mr. Wallace H. Miller continued as editor of The Press and manager 




The photograph herewith reproduced, represents Mr. Riggs and his 
office force, probably in 1882. At the left are Walter H. Royce and 
Miss Bertha Evans. In the door at the right stands- George A. Fish; 
farther in front is Herbert E. Garrett, and seated by Mr. Riggs is Sid- 
ney M. Card. In the doorway at the left stands Rev. Asher Anderson, 
the pastor oi the Congregational Church at lhat time. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



347 



of the Bristol Press Publishing Co. until February, lUUl, when he was 
succeeded by Mr. Chas. F. Olin. Mr. Olin remained with The Press 
as editor vin'til June, 1907, but in March, 1902, he was succeeded by 
Arthur S. Barnes as manager. Mr. Barnes is a Bristol boy and was 
bom on March 12, 1871, the very year and month in which The Press 
made its initial appearance before the people of Bristol. 

Under Mr. Barnes' management The Press has been increased from 
a six column to a seven column paper and the number of pages from 
eight to ten, twelve and sometimes si.xteen. Associated with him in 
carrving on the work are Wallace H. Miller as editor and Thomas A. 
Tracy as assistant. Mr. Miller returned to The Press in June, 1907. 
The officers of the Bristol Press Publishing Co. are — President, Gilbert 
H. Blakesley; Secretary and Treasurer, Arthur S. Barnes; Directors, 
Gilbert H. Blakesley, Otto F. Strunz and Arthur S. Barnes. 

In January, 1907, the land on Riverside avenue occupied by The 
Press building was sold to Mr. Wm. E. Sessions and a plot 53 by 90 
feet was purchased from Mrs. Edward E. Newell on Main street, the 
former site of S. E. Root's factory. A two-story brick building has 
been erected there, and in September, 1907, The Press removed to its 
new home. This new building is 74 by 36 feet and is of mill construction 
throughout, and is situated on the very same spot where The Press 
was quartered in S. E. Root's factory from 1872 to 1877. 

The Press considers it as its first duty to faithfully chronicle local 
events in Bristol and to reflect public opinion on local affairs. In politics 
it is independent, believing that such is the only course that a local 
paper can take. It strives always to live up to the commendation of 
one of its former editors who spoke of it as "a high-grade, influential 
home newspaper, one that always works for the welfare of the town 
and its best interests." 




MAIN STREET, 1868. 



348 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



The 1 ankee Clock Industry 



Edited by Mii.o Leon Xortox.* 

THE late Roswell Atkins devoted much time to the search of 
records, and all other available sources of information, in 
pursuit of knowledge as to events in the early history of Bristol. 
Mr. Atkins was careful, painstaking, and cautious, in his in- 
vestigations, and what he committed to writing was the result of as 
thorough investigation as it was possible to make. The sources of in- 
formation as to the earliest industries are extremely meagre, the busi- 
ness enterprises of the eighteenth century being conducted on so small 
a scale as iiever, in the opinions of the active participants, likely to be- 
come of interest to future generations. In the preparation of this work 
it has been thought best to give Mr. Atkins' notes on the clock industry 
in full, substantially as he wrote them, making only such minor addi- 
tions to them as mav be thoitght necessary. 




Ei'HRAiM Downs Clock, 1825. 



*It was the intention to fully illustrate this article, but after mature consideration it 
was thought advisable not to attempt to do so in the limited space at our disposal — as 
to do justice to the subject hundreds of clocks would have to be shown. 



OR XEW CAMBRIDGE. ;}4'.) 

In a preliminary way it may be of interest to say that the first 
Yankee clock-making, as a business, was midoubtedly established in 
Bristol by Gideon Roberts, a soldier of the Revolution, son of Elias 
Roberts, who was a victim of the Wyoming massacre in 1778. His 
home was the house now owned by Asher C. Bailey, on the Fall Moun- 
tain road, afterward the residence of his son, Hopkins Roberts, and 
known a generation ago as the Hopkins Roberts place. The house 
itself has a historic interest as occupying the site of one of the first houses 
in that section of the town, built by Moses Lyman, in 1736. The Roberts 
house was built by Alvin Cole, a brother of Katherine Cole Gaylord, 
and came into the possession of the Roberts family by purchase. 

One of the several tin shops that were in active operation inBristol 
prior to the Revolution, stood on the west side of Wolcott street just 
north of the residence of the late Alonzo Rood. When the grading 
for the lawn in front of the house of Edward Bradley was done, the 
open cellar hole of this old shop was filled up, having existed until that 
time, about twenty years ago. This shop was purchased by Gideon 
Roberts, as his business had increased, and w'as moved by him to the 
southwest corner of his front yard, where it was used bv him as a clock 
shop, and may be accorded the distinction of being the first clock shop 
in the United States. This probably took place not far from the year 
1800. The building is still standing, having been purchased by Asahel 
Hinman Norton, and attached to the east side of his house, now occupied 
by Jason H. Clemence. Mr. Roberts made the first clocks by the aid 
of a foot lathe, and such hand tools as the saw, dividers, hand drills, 
etc., from wood, the first clocks not being cased, but bracketed to the 
wall. Some of his later movements were cased in the tall cases in fashion 
at that time. His method of disposing of these clocks was to take 
three or four of them with him upon horseback, to New York and Penn- 
sylvania, where he sold them at twenty-five dollars apiece. It was 
in Pennsj-lvania that he became acquainted with the English cherry, 
which the thrifty Quakers had transplanted from British soil, and he 
brought pits of the cherry home with him, planting the same and dis- 
tributing to his neighbors. There are cherry trees still .standing which 
are the descendants of these original trees, but it is doubtful if one of 
the originals is left. The Fall Mountain cherries were long famous, and 
were in great demand. But the cherry was not the onlv acquisition 
that he made from the Pennsylvania Quakers; he adopted their re- 
ligion as well, and also the peculiar dress and quaint speech of the 
Society of Friends. He died in 1813, and it is said that his business 
of clock making had increased at that time so that he had four hundred 
movements m the works. 

NOTES OX THE CLOCK BUSINESS, 
By Roswell Atkins. 

The earliest manufacturers of clocks seem to have been confined to 
the Roberts family, so far as the records show, and though the date of 
1790 is given, it would bcem as if it might have been even earlier. But 
soon after the opening of the new century others turned their attention 
that way, and in 1808, Barnes & Waterman, Levi Lewis, Sextus O. 
Newell; in 1809-1811, Joseph Ives, probably in company with Manross, 
and located on the Self Winding Clock Co.'s site; Chauncey Boardman 
and Butler Dunbar, at the Ashworth shop just south of the burner shop; 
Amasa and Chauncey Ives, at the Hiram C. Thompson shop; and Elias 
Roberts & Co., on the brook near the Dana Beckwith place; made clocks. 
This last shop was used for different purposes: German silver combs, 
tinder boxes on the plan of the lock and flint, also the wheel and flint, 
])rior to the introduction of lucifer matches. These were made by the 
Iveses, Joseph and Shailer, and later by Bryan Richards, in this shop. 
(Jthers soon engaged in the clock business, some making cases and 
buying movements, putting their own names inside. In 1821, Barnes 



350 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

& Juhnson, also Chauncey Boardnian and Col. Joseph A. Wells, in the 
east part of the town, near the turnpike. This shop was first vised for 
wood clocks, later brass clocks were made there, and the tools were sold 
to Mr. Ingraham. Cutting boxes fc^r cutting hay, were also made there 
by Wells, Barnard & Co. Seymour & Churchill also made movements, 
also some rules. 

In 1821, Chauncey Jerome bought of George Mitchell a house and 
land on South Street, to be paid for partly in clocks. He afterward 
bought a small shop built by Treat, Lee & Alle, on the north side of the 
river, west of what is now Main Street, for making any article connected 
with the business, and in 1824 entered into partnership with Elijah 
Darrow and his brother. Noble Jerome and they, in 1826, secured the 
laying out of Main Street. They then bought land on the east side of 
the new street; erected a shop on the west side, for making cases, about 
where the Ives meat market stands; a movement shop where the spoon 
shop is, but closer to the road; and, soon after, a finishing shop on the 
west side opposite; and a large barn on the north side of the river, for 
stabling the horses necessary for the economical prosecution of their 
business. There was no other means of transportation of merchandise 
to New Haven or Hartford, until the completion of the canal in 1826 
or 1827; and as the canal was useless during the winter, horses had to 
be employed until the completion of the railroad to Plainville, in 1847, 
and to Bristol, in 1848. 

The coming of Mr. Jerome gave an additional impetus to the clock 
industry, and this was followed by the location of Ephriam Downes, 
an experienced clock maker,- in 1825, he having also purchased of George 
Mitchell the property on which was a small shop, and which has since 
remained in the family vmtil its purchase by the Liberty Bell Co. This 
property was to be paid for in clocks for Mr. Mitchell, who supplied 
peddlers with various articles of manufacture. 

In May, 1828, Samuel Terry, of Plymouth, a brother of Eli Terry, 
bought the old grist mill property south of Pierce's, on which, beside 
the mill, was a small shop owned by Simeon Johnson, and also a tannery. 
The mill was converted into a clock manufactory. Charles Kirk, about 
this time, made clocks in a shop on the north side of- the river from the 
mill, soon after buying the shop on Race Street, and carrying on the 
business a number of years, when he sold out and removed to Wolcott, 
where, with his sons, he invented and manufactured musical clocks. 

Samuel Terry, was succeeded in the clock business by his sons at 
the old stand, for some years, followed by Terry & Andrews; and the 
shop owned by C. E. Andrews, and used as a manufactory of light hard- 
ware, was built by them. Auger bits were made there, and that line 
of business is still followed. Of the sons of Samuel Terry, Theodore 
removed to Ansonia, for a time, and was also located in Pequabuck, 
where Scott & Co.'s mill stood. William A. Terry still resides here, a 
man of scientific attainments in any line in which he becomes interested. 
He is the inventor of a calendar which is absolutely perpetual, taking 
up the leap-year changes, automatically. He was for many 5^ears one of 
the most skillful photograghers the country afforded; and his micro- 
scopic discoveries in the realm of diatoms, have given him a world-wide 
fame. 

George W. and Eli Bartholomew, commenced making wood clocks 
in Edgewood, about 1829, and continued till about 1843, a part of the 
time in connection with cabinet making. The site they occupied had 
been formerly used by Martin Byington, and Isaac Graham, as a grist- 
mill, a sawmill, and a distillery. Since 1855, bit braces have been 
made continuously by the Bartholomews. 

In 1830, George Mitchell, Rollin and Irenus Atkins, bought the 
old Baptist meeting house (the second church edifice was built that 
year), and moved it northwest to the location of the shop where they 
had carried on wood turning and comb making since 1819. Clock 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 351 

making was conducted in it by different firms; Mitchell & Atkins; 
Atkins & Downs (Anson, a brother of Ephraim); and R. & I. Atkins, 
for a number of years, vmtil the saw business was established in 1836, 
under the name of Frost, Merriman & Co. A dam was built by this 
firm some distance above Hickory Park, a raceway dug, and a shop 
erected near the building occupied as an isolation hospital during the 
smallpox visitation a few"" years since. This was used as a grinding shop 
for saws, but was abandoned and the shop removed to the top of the 
hill, opposite the stone house, on Divinit}' Street, where it became the 
residence of Constant Welch, for many years. In 1857 the firm name 
was changed to I Atkins & Co. An extensive business was done by 
this concern, who made cotton gins, and other machinery. The firm 
failed about 1858, in the saw business, and it was conducted by the 
Jessups, of New York, for four years, then for two years more by H. 
Porter, who removed it, in 1864, to the melodeon shop, where The Porter 
Saw Co. was succeeded by The Penfield Saw Works. In 1851, the 
manufacture of clocks was recommenced by the Atkins Company, and 
continued until 18S(). Barnes Brothers continued the business for a 
few vears, when the business was abandoned, and the shop was finally 
burned. 

In 1835, Alden A. and E. G. Atkins, and Noah E. Welton, bought 
the Churchill sawmill, and built a shop for the making of clocks, princi- 
pally, also making spool stands, work-boxes, etc. Norman Allen after- 
ward took the place of N. E. W^elton, and the firm name became Atkins 
& Allen. The business was conducted until about 1846, when the shop 
was sold to Smith & Goodrich, afterward passing into the hands of The 
Bristol Brass & Clock Co., through the J. C. Brown interest. After 
two fires, the present shop is known as the Burner Department of the 
Bristol Brass & Clock Co. 

In 1833, J. C. Brown, W. G. Bartholomew, and William Hills, of 
Farmington, who were jointly engaged in the business of cabinet making 
in Bristol, bought the land where the Sessions Clock Co. is now located, 
on the south side of the river, and secured the privilege of bviilding a 
dam, and of thus creating a water privilege, of the owners of the north 
side of the stream, erecting a factory for making clocks. There were 
some changes in the firm, previous to the erection of the shop, and a 
company, consisting of William Hills, Lora Waters, J. C. Brown, Chauncey 
Pomerov and Jared Goodrich, known as The Forestville Manufacturing 
Co., commenced the manufacture of brass clocks in the spring of 1835. 
There was then no highway nearer than Pine Street, tmtil Church Street 
was opened to and across the river, afterwards extended eastward to 
the factory, and southward to Pine Street. The business continued to 
increase until in 1845 their establishment was turning out more finished 
Avork than any other in town. About this time F. S. Otis built the shop 
■called the Otis shop (recently removed), and made a fancy case inlaid 
with pearl. This being something new in the market, increased the 
sale of clocks, as every dealer was bound to have the latest styles. In 
1853, the shops of J. C. Brown & Co. were consumed by fire, which in- 
volved so much loss that an assignment became necessary, not only of 
that company, but of others with which they were co'nnected. Elisha 
N. Welch, being the largest creditor, purchased the entire plant, together 
with the Otis shop, The^Forestville Hardware Manufacturing Co., erected 
in 1852, and the Elisha Manross factory, of the assignees, and combined 
the business under one management. In 1864 the E. N. Welch Manu- 
facturing Co. was organized. In 1868, the Welch, Spring & Co., firm 
was organized, which occupied a factory that stood on the site of the 
present" electric power house of the Sessions Co., and also the factories 
recently occupied by the CodHng Manufacturing Co. Since the Welch 
Compaiiy was organized, all the factory buildings except two, have been 
destroyed by fire, but have arisen some of them- from their ashes, in 
larger' and better proportions for the economical production of the 
different varieties of clocks produced by the Company. (This Avas 
written by Mr. Atkins prior to its acquisition by the Sessions Company. 



352 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

How, after the death of Mr. Welch, in 1887, the extensive plant went 
into the hands of a Receiver; was reorganized, with J. Hart Welch, 
at the head; and how, after his death, it was acquired by the Sessions 
Company, who have largely increased the plant and its output are 
matters of recent history, too well known to need definite mention.) 

Elias Ingraham, the founder of The E. Ingraham Co., came to 
Bristol from Hartford, where he was working at his trade as a cabinet 
maker, in 1828, and entered into the employ of George Mitchell, in the 
old building long used by the Ingrahams as a case shop, on the site of 
the Turner Heater Co.'s plant. Mr. Mitchell was desirous of introduc- 
ing a new style of case equal to, or superior to, the bronze pillar, in- 
vented by Jerome. Mr. Ingraham designed a very handsome case, 
with carved columns, having lions' paws at the bases, and fret work at 
the tops. They proved to be excellent sellers. The movements were 
made by Ephraim Downs. The old factory referred to, was originally 
the Congregational Church of Burlington, and was used as a cotton mill 
after its removal to Bristol. After working for Mr. Mitchell for about 
two years, he commenced work for Chauncey and Lawson C. Ives, at 
what is known as the Eureka shop, continuing in their employ until 
1836, when he contracted to make cases for Davis & Barbour, who were 
shipping cases and movements separately to the south, where they were 
put together, thus saving the payment of the heavy state licenses. In 
1843 the firm of Brewster & Ingraham was formed; Epaphroditus Peck, 
and after his death, Noah L. Brewster, representing the firm in England. 
In 1848, the firm was dissolved, and the firm became E. & A. Ingraham, 
by the admission of his brother Andrew into partnership. Their shop 
was burned in 1855, which stood on the site of the old movement shop, 
and the business was afterward continued by Mr. Ingraham in the old 
cotton mill, which was enlarged from time to time as more space was 
needed. About 1860, the old hardware shop, which stood on the corner 
of Meadow and North Main Streets, was purchased and moved to the 
site of the burned factory, and was made the movement department 
of the firm of The E. Ingraham Co., until the completion of their new 
and commodious movement factory. Edward Ingraham became a 
partner in his father's business in 1859, and the joint-stock company 
was formed in 1881, consisting of Mr. Ingraham, his son and grandsons, 
becoming one of the largest establishments for the manufacture of clocks 
in the country. Mr. Ingraham was born at Marlborough, in 1805, and 
died in 1885. His son Edward died in 1892. 

In 1843, The Bristol Clock Co. was organized, with a small capital, 
for the purchasing and vending of clocks; consisting of Chauncey Jerome, 
Elisha Hotchkiss, Edward Fields, Elisha Manross, E. C. Brewster, 
Joseph A. Wells and Augustus S. Jerome. This company was organized, 
primarily, for foreign trade, reporting that in 1844, $1,935 worth of 
clocks had been shipped to China, and that their expenses had been 
$400. In 1852, The Brewster Manufacturing Co. was organized, for 
the purpose of making and vending clocks. It consisted of E. C. Brew- 
ster, Wm. Day, Augustine Norton and Noble Jerome. These firms 
were principally for the purpose of extending the sale of clocks of Ameri- 
can manufacture to other countries, the outgrowth of which has added 
largely to the success, financially, of the clock industry. At the first 
venture in this line, Mr. Jerome shipped a cargo of clocks to England, 
in charge of Epaphroditus Peck, accompanied by his son, Chauncey 
Jerome, Jr. This attempt was considered unwise by many, and failure 
was predicted. But the prices at which they were invoiced for entry 
at the custom house, though high enough to be very remunerative, 
excited the suspicion of the customs officials that they were being priced 
at too low a figure, and so they exercised their right to add ten per cent, 
to the invoice price, and seize the whole cargo. Another cargo was 
despatched as quickly as possible, and was also seized in the same way. 
After that the officials concluded to let the Yankees sell their own clocks, 
which they did. with the result that the foreign trade in clocks was 
thoroughly established, and a good deal of money has been brought 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 3.53 

into town thereby, especially at times when, without it, Ijusiness would 
have been very dull if not dead. 

The Bristol Clock Case Co. was organized in March, 1854, with a 
capital of $20,000. It consisted of thirty-five of the i^rominent busi- 
ness men of that time, as follows: J. C. Brown, Walter Williams, W. W . 
Carter, Eli Barnes, H. E. Merriman, George Merriman, Almon Lewis, 
Daniel Lardner, Henrv Beckwith, W. McCracken, Erastus Foster, Ben- 
jamin Ray, H. M. Burnham, J. U. Doohttle, S. P. Burwell, Hopkins 
Stephens, Roswell Webster. Geo. Goodrich, J. T. Peck, Ashel Butler, D. P. 
Spear, Samuel Beckwith, Robert Beckwith, N. L. Birge, E. N. Sexton, 
Anson Beckwith, J. A. Sweetzer, E. C. Goodwin, Tracy Peck, S. P. 
Newell, H. K. Hotchkiss, Jr., Richard Peck, A. P. Goodrich, Ctirlos Wel- 
ton, and W. D. McClenithan. Most of them were residents of the north 
village, and a number of them were clock-case makers as well. A large 
shop was built at the North Side, at Doolittle's Corner, near the rail- 
road, on land now owned by The Sessions Foundry Co., north of the 
road. The enterprise was soon abandoned, and the shop stood idle 
for a number of years. In 1861, it was taken down and put up in Forest- 
ville, taking the place of the old Alden Atkins clock shop, destroyed by 
fire, and was used for the manufacture of lamp burners, and also for the 
inanufacture of mechanical and other toys of tin. 

Other people have, at different times, been engaged in the manu- 
facture of clocks: Byington & Graham, located west of the Bartholomew 
shop, at Edgewood, made cases; Terry, Downs & Co., at the Ephraim 
Downs shop; Beach, Hubbell & Hendrick, at the Manross shop; Atkins 
& Porter, at the Merritt Atkins shop, Stafford; Barnes, Hendrick & 
Hubbell, at the old (original) Manross shop, afterward becoming the 
property of Laporte Hubbell, which firm made the first marine clocks, 
invented by Bainbridge Barnes; Solomon C. Spring, at the Codling 
& Co. factories, who made the same rolling-leaf pinion movement for 
clocks and regulators, as were made by the Atkins Clock Co., until the 
business was merged with the Welch company, and removed to Forest- 
ville; A. S. Piatt & Co., where the Wallace Barnes plant is now located; 
Noah Pomeroy, at the H. C. Thompson shop, and others. 

The early clock industry, in its development, necessitated the estab- 
lishment of numerous separate shops for the manufacture of parts which 
could not be economically made in one factory at that time; and the 
making of verges, pendulum rods and balls, wire bells, and later, of 
lock-work, for the striking mechanism, and pillars, ratchets and pinions, 
became important industries. W. H. Nettleton conducted the business 
of lock-work making for many years successfully, which afterward 
passed into the hands of George Jones, and, finally, was absorbed by the 
Ingraham company. Albert Warner made clock verges for many years, 
up to the time of his death in 1888. All these separate industries were 
gradually acquired by the large clock concerns, and the small manufac- 
turers went out of business, or took up other lines. 

Col. E. L. Dunbar was a pioneer in the manufacture of clock springs 
of steel, purchasing of S. Burnham Terry the process of tempering coiled 
springs in 1847. About the same time John Pomeroy succeeded in 
tempering them by another process, and these inventions cheapened 
the cost of clock springs, which had formerly been imported from France 
at a cost of from one to three dollars each, so that the manufacture of 
cheap clocks became possible. The Dunbar spring business has been 
continued up to the present time, and is one of our substantial indus- 
tries, though the original business of clock-spring making has given 
place to the manufacture of springs for many other purposes. 

Wallace Barnes commenced the manufacttire of clock springs in 
1857, on the site of the present factory, and the business has been con- 
ducted there continuously ever since. In 1858, in company with Col. 
E. L. Dunbar, under the firm name of Dunbar & Barnes, steel springs 
for hoop-skirts were extensively made there, the upper story of the 
shop being used for the braiding department, in which the flat steel 



Hoi BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

springs were covered with cotton, starched and finished ready to be 
made up into crinoline. During the Hfe of this firm the building then 
known as Crinoline Hall, afterward known as Town Hall, was built. At 
first the lower story was used as a wood shed for storing the pine wood 
used for tempering the springs, but was afterward closed in and occu- 
pied as a furniture warehouse and for other purposes. After the disso- 
lution of the firm of Dunbar & Barnes, the hoop-skirt business was 
conducted about two years by Benjamin & Doremus, of New York, 
wire braiders and finishers; and by John Fairbanks, who wove the 
tapes, and made up the wire and tapes into the finished skirts. The 
shop was burned in 1866, when the hoop-skirt business was discontinued. 
Since the death of Wallace Barnes, in 1893, the spring business has been 
increased to its present iinmense proportions through the able manage- 
ment of C. F. Barnes. 

SUPPLEMENTAL NOTES. 

This concludes Mr. Atkins' notes on the clock industry-. From 
•other sources we learn that among the early makers of clocks, in Bristol, 
John Rich made wood clocks in a shop which stood just back of the James 
Holt place. Levi Lewis, mentioned by Mr. Atkins, had a shop near the 
Chandler Norton house, on Cog. Hill, "Cog." being an abbreviation of 
Cogswell, a family once resident there. Lewis had, at one time, 1500 
movements in the works, which fact created much excitement in the 
■community, as well as doubts as to his sanity. Indeed, when, in 1805 
Eli Terry, the founder of Terryville, and the father of the American 
clock industry, commenced to manufacture two hundred clocks a year, 
people thought him crazy and prophesied that he could not sell so 
many, as the country would be overstocked! In the fall of 1837, a year 
•of financial disaster, and especially hard for the struggling clock manu- 
factvirers, Chauncey Jerome was collecting what he could of debts and 
scattered clocks, throughout Virginia and South Carolina, when, one 
night, in his room in a hotel at Richmond, Virginia, he conceived the 
idea of making a cheap, one-day, brass clock. That idea, put into 
practical shape by his brother. Noble, who made the first one-day, brass 
movement, revolutionized the clock business, and put new life into 
the industry, and fortvmes into the pockets of the men who followed 
Jerome in their manufacture. The old wood clocks, while good time- 
keepers, could not be shipped across the water, as the wheels would 
swell, and become worthless. But Jerome saw an opening for the sale 
of the cheap, brass clocks in England, and determined to make the 
venture, with gratifying results. The introduction of the clocks in 
England, however, was attended with much difficulty, the dealers be- 
lieving them to be worthless because so cheap. One merchant went so 
far as to turn Mr. Jerome's agents out of doors for trying to induce him 
to have anything to do with the Yankee clocks. England made clocks 
for the world, and for these presumptuous Yankees to send their cheap 
toy clocks over there filled the English dealers with indignation. But 
finally, one merchant in London was persuaded to permit two of the 
clocks to be left in the store, saying that he did not believe they would 
run at all. The clocks were set running, and the next day when the 
agents called they found that they had been sold, and were told to leave 
four more. They were sold in a few hours, when the sale was increased 
to a dozen, and it was not long afterward that the same merchant bought 
two hundred at a time! Sylvester Root carried on the business of 
making wood clocks, in the Ephraim Downs shop, for about two years, 
1842-4. It was a common saying at that time, that Root would go 
into the woods in the morning, cut down a tree and have it made up 
into clocks before night. That was intended as a compliment to his 
celerity, but how little the originator of the pleasantry realized what 
quantities of clocks would be turned out in Bristol in after years! Mr. 
Downs thought that three thousand clocks a year was a large output, 
and so it was in his day. From 1844 until r851, the Downs shop re- 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE " 355 

mained idle, but in the latter year a company consisting of Ralph Terry, 
Elias Burwell, George and Franklin Downs, commenced the manu- 
facture of a brass marine clock, invented by Ralph Terry, and eight-day 
clocks designed by Ralph Terry, and Hiram Camp of New Haven, form- 
erly with Chauncey Jerome, when he was located at Bristol. After 
two years they bought out Mr. Burwell, when the finn name was changed 
from Terry, Downs, Burwell & Co., to Terry, Downs & Co. The busi- 
ness was discontinued in 1856. David Matthews, in company with 
Lyman Jewell and Samuel Botsford, made clock moveinents in a small 
shop east of the James Holt place, afterwards occupied by the Claytons. 
They made marine movements for the Litchfield Clock Co., until that 
concern failed; also for E. O. Goodwin, who cased them in a shop which 
he put up for the purpose on High Street. The Jewell & Matthews 
shop was originally fitted up as a turning shop by Andrew, a brother of 
Chauncey Jerome. It was afterward used by Lyman Jewell, for the 
manufacture of clock trimmings, daugerreotype case hooks, etc., pre- 
vious to the formation of the firm of Jewell, Matthews & Co. Besides 
clock movements, Jewell, Matthews & Co., made galvanic batteries, of 
several patterns, much used in those days in therapeutics. Matthews 
afterward was associated with Elmore Horton, in the manufacture of 
toy drums, from 1860 until 1862. The firm failed, and the later years 
of Mr. Matthews were spent in the employ of the E. Ingraham Co. Clock 
calendars were introduced in Bristol by Benjamin B. Lewis, who came 
here in 1859, with a calendar invented by a man named Skinner. Not 
succeeding in placing the contract for their manufacture, he commenced 
to make them himself, in the Manross shop. The calendar failed to sell 
well, and in 1862, Mr. Lewis contracted with Burwell & Carter, to manu- 
facture a calendar of his own invention, for five years. This calendar 
was a great success. He afterward entered the employ of Welch, Spring 
& Co., as foreman, which position he held for many years. Daniel J. 
Gale of Sheboygan Falls, Wis., brought an astronomical clock here, of 
his own invention, which Welch, Spring & Co. commenced to manufacture 
in 1871. But the clocks were not in demand, and the first five hundred 
made were never sold. Wm. A. Terry, also invented a calendar, which 
has no superior, and is absolutely perpetual. It was made by The 
Atkins Clock Co., and by George A. Jones, early in the seventies. It 
was previously made at Ansonia. The clock business was once con- 
ducted on Peaceable Street, in a small shop south of the brick house 
once owned by Edward M. Barnes, on the same side of the road. Deacon 
Charles G. Ives was the proprietor, who did a small business. He was 
succeeded by Orrin Hart, who bought out Deacon Ives, in 1820, and who 
continued the manufacture of clocks until John Bacon bought him out, 
in 1833. A shop was built on the opposite side of the road, where, in 
company with E. M. Barnes, cases were made, the moveinents being 
purchased of Chauncey Boardman. After eight years the partnership 
was dissolved, and both made clocks separately for three or four years 
more. Then Mr. Bacon sold the shop to Mr. Barnes, who made candle- 
sticks, tin spoons, etc., up to the time of his death, in 1871. Neither of 
these shops is now standing. John Birge was associated, early, with 
Erastus and Harvey Case, in the manufacture of clocks, which were 
sold, for the most part, in the South. He was associated also with 
Ransom Mallory, a biographical sketch of whom appears elsewhere, 
under the firm name of Birge & Mallory. Joseph Ives, better known 
as "Uncle Joe Ives," and, probably, the greatest inventive genius in 
the clock line ever resident in Bristol, commenced manufacturing in 
the old Manross shop, near the Hubbell factory, in 1811. He was after- 
ward associated with his brothers, Ira, Amasa, Chauncey and Philo, 
as early as 1816, who made wood clocks near the Dana Beckwith place. 
Mr. Ives made a metal clock, in 1818, the wheels of cast brass, and the 
plates of iron. The clock required a case five feet long, and was made 
by a company in which Lot Newell, Thomas Barnes, and others were 
interested. The place where the manufacturing was done was in the 
shop which stood on the site of the present Dunbar spring factory. 



356 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

He went to Brooklyn, N. Y., where he made clocks for a few years, be- 
came involved and was imprisoned for debt. John Birge relieved him 
and induced him to i-eturn to Bristol, taking him into partnership, and 
manufacturing the rolling pinion movement invented by Ives, the best 
clock ever made at that time. The shop stood near the late Codling 
Manufacturing Co.'s plant. The writer has seen one of these clocks 
which had run continuously for forty years, and had never been repaired, 
nor had it struck wrong during that time. Mr. Birge paid Ives $10,000 
for the patent of this clock, and the partnership was dissolved. Ives 
going to Plainville, where his usual misfortunes overtook him, which 
was always the case whenever he undertook the manufacture of clocks 
alone. 

About 1832 Lawson and Chauncey Ives built the "Eureka" shop, 
now the Homestead Bakery, making a movement invented by Mr. 
Ives. E. C. Brewster, also became interested, about 1860, in a new 
invention of Mr. Ives, called the "rolling pinion, rolling escapement" 
clock, intended to so diminish friction as to make oiling unnecessary. 
But the business was not successful. Many other improvements in 
the construction of clocks were made by Mr. Ives, who was too much 
absorbed in them to ever find time to secure a competency, for himself. 
A co-operative concern called The Union Clock Company, fro A which 
we have Union Hill, and Union Street, made clocks for a short time in 
the Waters shop, on the site of the Clayton Brothers' factory. They 
sold their clocks in New York at cut prices, but were soon put out of 
business by the other manufacturers combining against them. 

Whigville, which was always so intimately connected with Bristol 
as almost to be considered a suburb, was also a clock-making village. 
The old red shop, known as the Jones shop, was built by Thomas Lowrey, 
of Red Stone Hill, for a cloth mill. His sons, David and Alfred, made 
clocks there, and were succeeded in the clock business by E. K. Jones 
and George Langdon. Edwin Bunnell erected what it now the Mills 
turning shop for a clock factory, also another shop farther north, on the 
corner. The large shop where the D. E. Peck Manufacturing Co. con- 
ducted a large turning business for many years, was built for a clock 
shop by Stever & Bryant, about 1845. They failed in a short time. 

Among other manufacturers of clock trimmings and parts mention 
should be made of S. E. Root, who commenced to manufacture clock 
dials and sash, of metal, in 1846, in a small room in Chauncey Boerd- 
man's shop, later occupied by the Ingraham Company. In 1851, he 
entered into partnership with Edward Langdon, and occupied a portion 
of the spoon shop, later removing to the shop which .stood on the site 
of the present Dunbar factorj^. In the fall of 1853, ground was broken 
for the large three-story factory which stood for half a century on the 
corner of Main and School Streets. In 1855 the farm of Langdon & Root 
was dissolved, Mr. Root conducting the business alone thereafter. In 
1866, he commenced to manufacture marine and pendulum clocks, pur- 
chasing the Manross machinery. In 1859 he invented and patented the 
paper clock dial, for use in small and fancy front timepieces. After his 
death in 1896, the business was continued a few years by his son-in-law, 
E. E. Newell, and was then sold to the Fitzpatrick Brothers, who built 
a shop on the Terryville road, and removed the machinery there. The 
old Root factory was converted into tenements. Joel H. Root, a brother 
of the preceding, commenced to manufacture clock trimmings in 1850. 
For many years he occupied a room in his brother's shop, but, in 1868, 
put up a small shop on what has since been called Root's Island. Since 
his death in 1885, the business has been conducted by his son, Charles 
J. Root, whose life, together with that of his aged mother, his aunt, 
Miss Candace Roberts, and his sister. Miss Mary P. Root, was terminated 
by a horrible grade-crossing accident, at Ashley Falls, Mass., August 18, 
1907. Mrs Root and Miss Roberts were granddaughters of Gideon 
Roberts, the pioneer clock-maker. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE." 357 



Company D, First Infantry, 

C. N. G, 



By First Lieutenant R. K. Linsley, C. N. G., Retired. 




LT. RAY K. I.INSLEY, C. N. G. (rETIRED'>. 

THE movement which resulted in the organization of the present 
"Co. D" started in the summer of 1899. In earHer days Bristol 
had been represented in the old militia regiments, but for a 
long period there had been no part of the State Military located 
here. A company in the "Guard" had been talked of at times but 
it was not until 1899, when the disbanding of Company D in New Britain, 
left a vacancy in the First Regiment, that these movements took definite 
form. 

A petition for the organization of the company was put in circulation 
in September, 1899, and quickly filled with more than enough names of 
would-be soldiers. The Hon. A. J. Muzzy at that time representing 
this district in the State Senate, took a very active part in the work by 
securing the approval of Governot; Lounsbury and Adjutant-General 
Cole, and lending his own influence to the movement. General Schulze, 
then Colonel of the First Regiment gave the movement his most hearty 
approval and in due time an order was issued from the Adjutant-General's 
ofifice, accepting the petition and organizing the signers into a military 
company to be located in Bristol, and known as Company D, First 
Regiment. Connecticut National Guard. Colonel Schulze was ordered 
to take the necessary steps to muster the company into service. 



358 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

A meeting of the signers was held in the old Borough Office in 
Linstead's Block, during October. Several military men were present 
from Hartford, and elsewhere. Speeches were made by Senator Muzzy, 
Colonel Schulze, Captain Johnson, then adjutant of the First, and others. 
The writer, who was at that time a private in the Hartford City Guard, 
and one of the signers of the petition spoke briefly of military life as 
an enlisted man. 

At the suggestion of Colonel Schulze, it was decided to form a 
temporary organization, to take charge of matters, until the company 
should be mustered into service and have regularly appointed officers. 
The meeting then named as a committee, Ray N. Linsley, President; 
Herbert E. Newport, Vice President; Ora A. Colby, Secretary; John C. 
Page, Treasurer. All of them, but recently settled in Bristol, yet all 
signers of the petition and all heartily in favor of the project. 

As soon as active steps toward enlistment began, it was discovered 
that very few of the original signers of the petition were willing to join 
the company. When confronted with an enlistment blank, they all 
made excuses the most common being, "I supposed I was only asking 
that a company be organized and had no intention of joining it." So 
the committee faced a harder task than was expected and it was only 
after hard personal work that the required number of members were 
finally secured and examined by the surgeons, and the following order 
issued : 

Headquarters First Regiment, C. N. G. 

Hartford, Conn., Jan. 6, 1900. 
SPECIAL ORDERS 

No. 1. 
In compliance with Special Orders, No. 278, Adjutant General's 
office, dated Hartford, Nov. 17, 1899, the enrolled members of Company 
D, 1st Regiment C. N. G., are hereby directed to assemble at the Total 
Abstinence and Benevolence Hall, North Main Street, Bristol, Conn., 
on Friday evening, January 12, 1900, at 7:45 o'clock, then and there 
to be mustered into the service of the Connecticut National Guard, and 
to nominate by ballot, a Captain, a First Lieutenant and Second Lieu- 
tenant. 

By order of 

COLONEL SCHULZE. 
Official: 

Frank E. Johnson, 

Captain and Adjutant. 

At the appointed hour the company assembled and was "mustered 
in" with almost full ranks. It is interesting to note that there were 
only ten of the signers of the original petition mustered into the new 
company. One more, the writer, joined as soon as the necessary transfer 
papers could be sent through. 

The nomination of officers resulted in the choice of Herbert E* 
Newport, Captain; Clifford Bronson, First Lieutenant and Ernest E- 
Merrill, Second Lieutenant. These nominations were the practically 
unanimous choice of the company and were at once approved by head- 
quarters, Captain Newport assuming command immediately. The 
appointment of noncommissioned officers followed quickly in Special 
Orders, No. 4, from Regimental Headquarters. 

I. Appointments in Company D, First Regiment, C. N. G. are 
hereby made as follows: 

To be First Sergeant, Ray K. Linsley. 

To be Quartermaster Sergeant, Edward S. Busch, Jr. 

To be Second Sergeant, Ora A. Colby. 

To be Third Sergeant, Edgar S. Soule. 

To be Fourth Sergeant, Frank A. Haviland. 

To be Fifth Sergeant, Nathan B. Richards. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



359 




FIRST REGIMENT ARMORY, NORTH MAIN STREET. 




INTERIOR OF FIRST REGIMENT ARMORY, DECORATED FOR A FAIR. 



360 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




EP-CAPTAIX KRNEST E. MERRILL 



To be Corporals: Joseph J. Quinn, Charles M. Carrington, John 
Stotz, Louis L. Burg, John C. Page, James F. Douglass, James O'Connell, 
Jay J. Merrill, all with rank from Feb. 11, 1900. 

Arms, uniforms and equipments all being perfectly new, were soon 
supplied and drills began. 

Thus "Company D" became an established fact and took its place 
among the institutions of Bristol. I do not recall any inember of the 
company at that time, other than myself, who had seen any previous 
service, yet all took hold with a will and when the first Field Day parade 
was held, May 25, 1900, the company made quite a creditable showing. 
On this occasion the Company marched to Hickory Park and spent 
the day in drill and guard practice, having dinner on the grounds and 
entertaining as the guest of honor A. J. Muzzy for whom the name 
"Muzzy Guards" had been assvimed. The following Memorial Day 
the Company turned out as an escort to the Grand Army Veterans. 
Drills were kept up nearly all summer in order that the Company inight 
be in shape to make a fine appearance at their first canip. Lieutenant 
Bronson left the Company soon after organization and on July 31, 
1900 Lieutenant Merrill was promoted to the First Lieutenancy and 
Sergeant Ora A. Colby was appointed Second Lieutenant. Under 
these officers the Company joined the regiment and a])])cared at Niantic 
for the first time. A novel experience for most of the men, but thor- 
oughly enjoyed by all. A special effort was made for honors, especially 
in the review on Governor's Day and we were informed that several 
compliments were given our work. On Oct. 4th, 1900, the Company 
went to Hartford and participated inj'the dedication of "Camp Field 
Monument." 

Lieutenant Colby moved out of town soon after Camp leaving a 
vacancy which was filled by the nomination of Sergeant Linsley, Nov. 9, 
1900. Sergeant Richards was promoted to the First Sergeancy and 
a number of other changes occurred among the noncommissioned officers 
at this time. 

An element of discord arose in the Coinpany about this tiine. and 
a committee of which the writer was chairman, was elected to take up 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



361 



the matter of complaints regarding certain features of Company manage- 
ment. The committee recom.mended that the matter be dropped and 
things were smoothed over but effects were not so easily altered and 
showed up at later times. 

The writer felt obliged to tender his resignation the next February 
which was accepted. The nomination of Sergeant Blodgett, failing 
approval the Company nominated myself to fill my own vacancy, a 
manifest impossibility. This action was duly appreciated by the writer. 
Before this vacancy was filled Captain Newport's resignation, as he was 
preparing to leave' town, placed Lieutenant Ernest E. Merrill in com 
mand, and left him the only commissioned officer. When nominations 
were ordered, Lieutenant Merrill was promoted to the captaincy and 
I found myself named for First Lieutenant with Sergeant J. C. Page 
for Second'. Following lead of others, Lieutenant Page immediately 
left town and I do not recall that he ever drilled with us as a Lieutenant. 
Sergeant John J. Quinn was nominated for the position and^ held it 
several months when he was followed by Corporal Frank E. Kennedy. 
Under these officers the Companv settled down to three years of solid 
hard work. They paraded at Hickory Park for Field Day and In- 
spection, Mav 17, 1901, and went to Camp McLean in August, takmg 
part in the march across from Lyme to Niantic. Camp of shelter tents 
was pitched the first night out in a cold, drizzhng rain. The next May 
the Field Day parade took place on Colt's meadows in Hartford, the 
Company taking enough camp outfit to cook their dinner on the grounds. 
The Company was at Camp Keeler, Niantic, the next August, when 




FUN IN CAMP 



DING'\\'i:i.I. l.\ I l[l-; -MK. 



362 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




COMPANY d's famous "TUG OF WAR" TEAM. 



we received another practical lesson in marching, camping and outpost 
duty, spending two days in the special field campaign. Qn Sept. 25, 
1902 the Company paraded in Hartford with the regiment on the occa- 
sion of the dedication of the monument to the 1st Heavy Artillery C. V. 
The old mortar known as the Petersburg Express, being mounted on 
the capitol grounds. 

It was on the first of February, 1903, that Company D boys were 
called to the most trying service that has yet been their lot. It will be 
remembered that it was Sunday when the Governor decided to order 
out troops to stop the lawless rioting of the street car strikers in Water- 
bury. And further that it was but four and one-half hours after the 
orders were issued that the regiment was on duty in Waterbury. As 
none of the officers were handy to telephones, the orders were neces- 
sarily delayed in reaching us and with the Company scattered far and 
wide for a Sunday afternoon rest, it was no easy task to get them out, 
but when the train came through on its way to Waterbury, Company 
"D" was ready with nearly full ranks. Owing to trouble in getting a 
team, our baggage did not get on board and the boys were without 
blankets and other comforts the first night making things worse than 
necessary. But the service was well and promptly rendered, a credit 
to the Company. 

The usual Field Day in Hartford and week at Camp Chamberlain, 
Niantic, followed in routine in 1903. 

Then during "Old Home Week" in September, 1903, Company D 
entertained as its guests the entire First Regiment which came here to 
take part in the big parade which was one of the chief features of the 
week. Dinner was served on improvised tables set uj) in the new shop 
of the E. Ingraham C'o., which had not then been occupied. The entire 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



3GC 



Company acted as waiters and served their guests. The occasion was 
one that will long be remembered by all who took part. 

The next spring the writer felt obliged to relinquish military life 
asked to be retired from active service, which was granted. Very soon 
after this Captain Merrill also gave up military for other duties and was 
the second to be placed on the retired list. 

Captain Merrill was a very popular officer and the esteem in which 
he was held by the Company was shown by the presentation of a hand- 
some gold w^atch, after he had left the service. This popularity was 
justly earned by hard work and careful judgment. Taking a Company 
of almost raw recruits, ignorant of military rules, he had made of them a 
Company which could hold its own with any in the regiment. Second 
Lieutenant Frank E. Kennedy was promoted to the captaincy with 
Corporal Daniel J. Breshnahan and Sergeant Frank S. Merrill for 
lieutenants. Under these officers the Company made a meinorable 
tour of duty with the regulars at Mannassas, Va. 

The next fall (1905) found the Company under new officers again, 
Lieutenant Frank Merrill having become Captain with Chester E. In- 




COMPANIES D AND I OF THE FIRST INFANTRY, C. N. G., COOKING IN THE 

STREET, IN WATERBURY, DURING THE STREET CAR RIOTS, 

IN FEBRUARY, 1904. 



364 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




EX-CAPTAIN FRANK KENNEDY. 




CO. D IN CAMP AT NIANTIC. CONN. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



365 



graham and William Van Ness as Lieutenants. "% This was the year of 
"Regimental" at Camp Roberts, Niantic. 1900 brought another change. 
Lieutenant Ingraham resigned and" Lieutenant Van Ness was promoted 
with Sergeant Clark as Second Lieutenant. Under these officers the 
Company is now doing good work and making new records. 

It was under Captain Kennedy's administration that .the old Spring- 
field rifles were discarded for the more modern weapon "The Krag" 
with the knife bayonet. 

Company "D" has entered a team in the regimental rifle shoot 
nearly every year and a number of individual prizes have been won by 
the members though they have not captured the chief honors. 

Many a pleasant evening has been passed by the Company at the 
Armory entertaining friends and guests with suppers and dances. 

Company "D" today is prepared for active warfare, armed and 
equipped in accord with the regular army rules. With capable and 
efficient officers and full ranks ready if duty calls, while we all hope its 
services may not be needed. 

The members have also had a hand in athletics, producing a cham- 
pion tug of war team and fine basket ball and baseball teams at different 
times. 




CO. D., 1st inf.^ktry, c. n. g., in c^mp at hickory park. 



366 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



367 










1, J. Linnehan; 2, Chas. Nagle; 3, Jas. Blodgett, Q. M. Sgt.: 4, A. Garrett; 5, W. 
Gould, Corp.; 6, J. Weiberg; 7. A. Moquin; S, W. Costello. Mus.; 9, M. Canfield; 10, W. 
Grov/n; 11, Frank Merrill, Capt.; 12, C. Hill, Cook; 13, M. Ryan; 14, J. GafTney; 15, A. 
Medley; 16, A. Gustafson; 17, Geo. Rowe; 18, J. Lass; 19, W. Johnson; 20, C. Peterson, 
21, W. Stoltz; 22, A. Gartman; 23. J. Breshnan, Mus.; 24. F. Herold. 25, H. Emerson; 
26, L. Griswold, Corp.; 27, W. W. I. Reynoltls, Sgt.; 28. Thos. Costello, Corp.; 29, D. 
Haskill, Corp.; 30, C. Spencer; 31. G. Colgrove; 32. F. Zink; 33, L. Noble; 34, W. Smith; 
35, J. Strup, Corp.; 36, W., Bennett. 

Owing to unavoidable delays, we are obliged to show the rest of the members of Co. 
D on page 425. 



368 



BRISTOL, CONNIiCTICLT 




Rev. Thomas J. Kkena. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



569 



^^ 


^t ^iiBtpl)B dlrurrlT 


•^^ 
•.^"^- 



By Rev. Bern.\rd M. I^oxnki.i.v 




REV. BERNARD M. DDNNELI.Y 



FAR off, in the north-eastern part of the town, at the Copper 
Mines, in the waning years of the "forties," were sown the 
seeds which afterwards ripened into the present large and flourish- 
ing plant of St. Joseph's Church. 
This little band of early Catholic settlers were mostly Irish emi- 
grants; for Irish emigration was, at that time, at its height. The 
dark years of famine had passed over the fair face of Ireland; persecu- 
tion had followed in its train, driving to this land of promise, men and 
women, as strong in faith as they were in physique. 

A small band of these — about twelve families in all — found their 
way to the vCopper Mines. Here they w^ere in a strange country. Be- 
tween them and their homes lay thousands of miles of water, which 
represented months of travel in slow-sailing vessels, exiles they were, 



.370 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




ST. JOSEPH S CHURCH AND RECTORY. 




INTERIOR OF CHURCH SHOWING CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



37] 



cheered only by occasional messages from home, or, sometimes, by 
the visit of Father Daly, who came amongst them to attend to their 
spiritual wants. 

Few as they were, they were self-reliant and looked to the future 
with confidence. No hardships daunted them; for they had come to 
stay, to cast their lot with their fellow colonists from other lands, and to 
assist, as far as they could, in laying, deep and strong, the foundations 
of what is now a prosperous community. 

In 1849, there were but nine priests to administer to the wants of 
the Catholics throughout the State of Connecticut! 

Truly, those were days that tried priests' souls, and the names 
of these heroic and apostolic men shcnild, for all time, be held in grateful 
remembrance by Catholics. 

One of these was the Rev. Luke Daly, then pastor of St. Mary's 
Church, New Britain. His spiritual charge comprised New Britain, 
Farmington, Berlin, Bristol, Forestville, Collinsville, New Hartford, 
Simsbury, Tariffville and Rainbow, 




REV. M. B. RODDEN. 



. -Owing to the extent of the territory covered by the above places, 
the scattered condition of the Catholic ilock, and the hardships of the 
jounrey imposed on the traveling priest, Catholic worship could not be 
had with any degree of regularity. Mass was offered at the mines about 
once a month, and the few Catholics of Bristol Centre went there. 

' When the copper mines closed, the construction of the railroad 
began, and the Catholics finding employment at the work, settled at 
Bristol Centre in larger numbers. 

At this time. Catholic services were held in the house of the Roche 
family on Queen Street, not far from the present church site; later on, 
at the South Side, in the home of one Michael McGovern, until, when 
the congregation became more numerous, its memliers worshipped in 



372 BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 

the old Gridley Hall, which is now the store of Mr. Cleveland, and was 
then situated south of the old Town Building. 

In 1855, the present church was built by Rev. Father Daly. At 
that period, the Catholic population had reached the number of two 
hundred souls. 

On October 1, 1864, Bristol was made an independent parish, with 
the Copper Mines and Forestville as missions. The first resident pastor 
of the new parish was the Rev. Michael B. Rodden. Here he remained 
for four years, until 1868, when, on account of ill-health, he was ap- 
pointed pastor at Greenville, R. I. Rev. Christopher Duggett suc- 
ceeded him at Bristol. Fr. Duggett sold the old rectory, which was 
located on the corner of Prospect Place and Maple Street, and purchased 
St. Joseph's Cemetery and the site of the present Catholic rectory. 

In 1872, Rev. Fr. Rodden returned to Bristol, reappointed pastor 
of St. Joseph's Church — a pastorate which he retained continuously 
for twenty-nine years! 

Twenty-nine years of pure, priestly life — years of honest devotion 
to the poor, to the weak, to the little ones of God's Kingdom. Twenty- 
nine years of earnest effort to do God's work in a mild, unpretentious 
way, have made Father Rodden's memory sacred. His sterling qual- 
ities of mind and heart, manifested throughout this long term of years, 
have caused him to be beloved by his own charge; while his priestly 
zeal, his gentle, courteous manners, and his public-spirited actions, have 
earned for him, regardless of creed or nationality, the esteem and respect 
of all who knew him. 

Realizing that the infirmities of age were rendering him incapable 
of attending to the growing needs of the Bristol parish, he resigned, 
May 1st, 1901, to accept the lighter charge of St. Catherine's Parish, 
Broad Brook. 

He survived his removal only one year, and died in Broad Brook 
towards the end of May, 1902. His remains were brought to his own 
beloved Bristol, where, in St. Joseph's Cemetery, under the shadow of 
the church he served so long and so well, they are interred with others 
of an earlier day and generation, who strove and made sacrifices to 
propagate on earth the teaching of Christ. 

Father Rodden had for assistants: Rev. James Walsh, Rev, Chas. 
McGoon, Rev. Frank M. Murray, Rev. Maurice Sheehan, Rev. Terence 
Smith, Rev. Patrick J. O'Leary, Rev. John Brennan and Rev. John 
Clark, in the order given. 

Rev. Thomas J. Keena, the present incumbent, assumed charge of 
St. Joseph's parish, May 1, 1901. He set himself at once to the task of 
erecting a parochial school. 

A Catholic laity responded to his efforts with good will and generos- 
ity. In the space of two years, he purchased the land on the extension 
of Center Street, moved the old rectory, transforming it into a convent, 
built and furnished the school and the present new rectory, and pur- 
chased the new St. Thomas' Cemetery. 

On May 24, 1902, Right Rev. Bishop Tierney of Hartford blessed 
the new cemetery and dedicated the parochial school. The sermon was 
preached by Rev. Wm. H. Rogers of St. Patrick's Church, Hartford. 

The presence of the Right Rev. Bishop and upwards of 100 priests 
from all parts of the diocese, the demonstration of strength and number 
made by the children and the societies connected with the church, ren- 
dered that day a memorable one for Catholics in the history of Bristol. 

Co-operating with the priests of St. Joseph's parish is a strong and 
united force of Catholic laity, formed into societies under the auspices 
of the church, for the promotion of temperance, as well as for benevo- 
lent and charitable purposes — we give them in the order of their founda- 
tion, viz. : the Ancient Order of Hibernians, The Knights of Columbus, 
St. Joseph's Young Men's Temperance and Benevolent Society, St. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 




SCENES IN OLD CATHOLIC CEMETERY. 



374 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




ST. JOSEPH S PAROCHIAL SCHOOL AND CONVENT. 



Joseph's German Society, St. Jean Baptiste Society, and the PoHsh 
Society. Societies for women are: the Ladies' CathoUc Benevolent 
Legion, Ladies' AuxiUary, A. O. H., Young Ladies' Sodahty, Young 
Ladies' Temperance Society, besides confraternities for younger mem- 
bers. These societies are in full vigor and representing, as they do, 
the best in layman and womanhood they are strong aids in the pro- 
motion of church work. 

In the new parochial school, 375 children are receiving instruction 
under the fostering care of the Sisters of St. Joseph in charge of Sr. M. 
Carmella. These good women, who bring to their vocation virtue and 
talent, instruct their pupils in all the branches of education taught in the 
public schools. While doing so, they also teach them in a broad and 
efficient manner, that religion must be an ever-present factor in their 
lives, and that all earthly ambitions inust be made subordinate to the 
end for which alone man was created. 

Rev. T. J. Keena, the present pastor is a native of Hartford, Conn. 
He received his early education in St. Peter's Parochial School. His 
college studies were pursued at St. Charles' College, Baltimore, Md., 
under the direction of the Sulpitian Fathers. He entered the Grand 
Seminary, Montreal, Canada, to study philosophy, but completed his 
philosophical and theological studies in the Ecclesiastical Seminary, 
Troy, N. Y., where he was ordained to the priesthood, Dec. 19, 1885. 

His first appointment was to St. John's Parish, Stamford, where, 
for 12 years, he labored faithfully and with great success until he was 
appointed as pastor to St. Lawrence's Parish, Hartford, Nov. 21, 1898. 
Here he remained for 3 years, until he was transferred by Bishop Tierney 
and made pastor of St. Joseph's Church, Bristol. 

Associated with Father Keena in the work of St. Joseph's, was 
Rev. John Clark from May 1 to Oct. 6, at which date he was called io 
Montville to act as pastor. He was succeeded by the Rev. Bernard M. 
Donnelly of Stamford, Conn., the present assistant. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



375 



Father Donnelly cdinpleted his preparatory studies at St. Charles' 
College. Maryland, pursued the study of philosophy and tehology at the 
Grand Seminary, Montreal, Canada, and was ordained to the Priest- 
hood. July 30, '1899, by the Rt. Rev. Michael Tierney, in St. Joseph's 
Cathedral, Hartford. After a year of post-graduate study, spent in 
Rome, Italy, he was assigned to duty, for short periods, in Hartford. 
Bridgeport and New Haven, before coming to Bristol. 

Thus the Catholic population has increased in 50 years from 200 
souls to more than 3,000. St. Joseph's is a parish of composite charac- 
ter: its different elements are drawn from many branches of the human 
family, so that the native American worships side by side with the Irish, 
the French-Canadian, the German, the Pole, the Lithuanian, and the 
Italian. 

Thus, in a short span of years, the little seed of Catholicity sown at 
the Copper Mines, has grown up and branched forth into a great tree, 
which offers spiritual shelter and a peaceful haven to so many of the 
wandering children of the different nations of the earth. 

What a distinguished churchman once said about the Catholics of 
this State might be appropriated to fft the situation in Bristol — "Catho- 
lics have ever manifested a deep interest in whatever concerns the wel- 
fare of the town. Zealous in guarding her fair name and in upholding 
her prestige, they join willing hands with their fellow citizens of all 
other denorninations in laboring for the common weal. Knowing their 
duties, and grateful for the blessings which they enjoy, they have be- 
come closely identified with whatever tends to the advancement of the 
town's and State's interests." 



*^ 







ptro^ W »<»»?^<'/ 






^ r 



BALI. TEAM. 



376 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 





^^^^^^^^^■^ .MtrHiL '■ '^^^^^^^^^l 




SCENES IX NEW CATHOLIC CEMETERY. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



377 




ST. JOSEPH S ALTAR BOYS DRUM CORPS. 



378 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



REMINISENCES OF YOUTHFUL PASTIMES 



By Roswell Atkins. 

OUR ancestors were a reading people, and early in the lUth century 
organized circula.ting libraries, one of Avhich was a part of the 
old Scott Swamp library, but soon changed to the Farmers' 
Library. This library was composed of standard works: Rollins, 
Ancient History, in eight volumes; memoirs of prominent men; his- 
tories, etc., so far as they could be obtained. This was in the east part 
of the town, and in the west part of Farmington. This library was sold 
sometime in the thirties, as newspapers became more numerous and 
easily obtained. 

While our ancestors were of necessity a pastoral people, they were 
not unmindful of the finer arts and embelishments of life which were 
within their reach. Of course the common school was regarded as a 
necessity, and was established in different localities as the different 
hamlets becaine large enough to warrant it. 

Music was also given considerable attention, teachers were hired, 
and the young men and women, on saddle and pillion, or in wagons 
without springs, hied away to the singing school in the center of the 
town, and the grand old anthems of Mozart, Clark, Whittaker, Mason, 
Kent, Stephens, Handel, and many others in the Bridgewater Collec- 
tion, were made to yield their rich melodies to the listening congrega- 
tions, with only the pitch pipe to give the key, and the wand of the 
leader to keep time, in some instances; in others, the flute, clarionette, 
violin and bass viol gave support to the voices, until the introduction 
of the church organ. The first band for out-door music was composed 
of clarionettes, bassoons, fifes, piccolos, bugle or French horn, cymbals 
and druiTis. Only one man is now living who participated in this band, 
Elias Burwell. This was followed very soon by the brass band, composed 
of the Kent, or C bugle, the E-fiat or tenor horn, cornopean, trombone, 
ophicleide and drums. These were followed by the modern band instru- 
ments. 

The town was not without its holidays. The spring gathering of 
the militia was a gala time for the boys as they watched the evolutions 
of the red-coats, every man from eighteen to forty-five being required 
by law to have a suitable gun, length and calibre being given, and to do 
duty as warned. There were three companies in town; regulars, a rifle 
company, and an artillery company, with two field pieces; also part of 
a cavalry company, the other part being composed of Southington men. 
This made quite a display. The annual regimental review, generally 
held in Plainville in the fall, made another 'day for sight-seeing and 
ginger-bread sale. 

Athletics were in common repute in the state, and the town was not 
without its representatives at either wrestling or kicking; and the spec- 
tacle of a man standing on his head on the ridge-pole of a bviilding frame 
was not unknown; or kicking an object six inches above his head, while 
standing on one foot, kicking with that foot, and returning to the original 
position without touching the other foot to the ground, was one of the 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



;^79 




(^ //i^je /^>//i' ////re //fV M/o.r/ a^ //'o/// /// 






r J 



<.P ■ *• V 






XVV^. 






This Diploma was given as a prize to the scholar who stood at the 
head of the spelling at the close of the winter term. It must have been 
in the early 1790' . You will see that ten of the fifteen names are 
Lewis — all descended from one grandfather. Mrs. Ellen L. Peck. 



380 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

feats reported. Rivalry between towns was ordinarily decided by a 
wrestling match between chosen champions, and even fistic encotinters 
decided the division lints between towns. 

Human nature was much the same then as now, and if work could 
be turned into play it seemed all the easier; so the husking to assist the 
farmer in storing his corn crop made the barn echo with laughter, as 
red ears were found, and forfeits were claimed of the fair sex. The 
apple-paring bee, to aid the farmer's wife in preparing her winter store 
of apple sauce, turned many a cold, fall evening into a scene of merri- 
ment. Busy hands with sharpened knives passed deftly around the 
bright, red apples. Circling the unbroken paring two or three times 
around the head and then dropping it to the floor to see if it formed the 
initials of the one whom it was hoped would be a life companion, was 
one of the pastimes of the occasion. The evening's sport was closed 
by the young jjeople, hand in hand, with the old-time plays and songs: 

The needle's eye, it doth supply 
The thread that's running through; 
It hath caught many a smiling lass, 
And now it hath caught you. 

This was accompanied by the usual suiting of the action to the words 
of the song, and the not unwilling osculation that closed each melodious 
act. Another of the old jingles ran: 

Pretty Pink, I s'pose you think, 

I cannot do without you; 
But I'll let you know, before you go, 

I care but little about you! 

The hearty smack that followed this verse wovild not be very convincing 
to the fair maiden involved, as to the sincerity of the poetical utterance. 
The close of the winter's term of school was often accompanied liy 
an exhibition in which declamation, recitation and dialogue, from 

You'd scarce expect one of my tender age, 
to 

The boy stood on the burning deck, 

the Indian Chief, and selections from Shakespeare, with all the accom- 
paniments of sword and bugle blast. For want of better theatre a barn, 
with a temporary floor laid over the bay, now empty of hay, for the 
stage, carpeted and hung with quilts; the barn floor seated for the pit, 
and the loft over the stables for a gallery; the violin orchestra to fill 
in the time between acts, afi^orded a good deal of pleasure to the par- 
ticipants, as well as to the parents of the rising generation. 



THE CURFEW BELL. 

THE curfew bell, which for so many years has tolled its ninety- 
and-nine strokes at nine o'clock, formerly did duty at the copper 
mine, in calling the men to their work and dismissing them at 
noon and night. It was purchased by Col. E. L. Dunbar, when 
the old mine buildings weiie dismantled, to be placed in the belfry of 
his new spring shop, which was built upon the foundations of the burned 
factory of the Union Spectacle Co., and other concerns. Bvit this was 
not the first nine o'clock bell in Bristol, by any means. The old Con- 
gregational church, previous to 1795, was without a steeple. It was 



"or new CAMBRIDGE." 3S1 

then that the time seemed propitious for raising the arnount necessary 
to add this desirable feature to the meetinghouse, and hberty was se- 
cured, at a meeting of the society, to build a steeple. In 1796 a tax 
of one cent on the dollar was levied for the purpose of procuring a new 
bell for the steeple. George Mitchell, David Granniss and Gideon Rob- 
erts were appointed a committee to procure the bell. In 1797 a tax 
of eight mills was laid to pay arrearages on the steeple, any surplus 
remaining to apply on the bell. On the eighth of January, 1798, the 
following vote w^as passed at a society meeting: 

"REGULATION FOR RINGING THE BELL." 

(Copied by Roswell Atkins.) 

''Voted, that the bell shall be rung at nine o'clock every night in 
the year, except Saturday night it is to be rung at eight o'clock; and 
in the months of July and August it is to be rung at twelve o'clock, or 
midday, in the room of nine at night. To be rung each Sunday, Thanks- 
giving and Fast, one hour before the time of exercise, and to ring until 
the Priest comes in sight south of Mr. Royce Lewises, and then to toll 
until the Priest enters the Meeting House. To be rung at the public 
meeting one hour before the time of meeting, and at the time of entering 
on business until the meeting is opened. To be rung and tolled at fun- 
erals. That the bell be rung at Society's cost till the next annual Society 
meeting." 

That the youthful American may have had an existence even in 
those Puritan days, may be conjectured from the following vote, passed 
December 14, 1797: "Voted, a tine of 50 cents on any one who shall 
ring the bell after this date without orders from the Society's Committee, 
and applied to the use of the Society." 

It may be possible that the new bell of 1796 was too small to be 
heard over the entire township, with its sparse and scattered popula- 
tion, for on February 29, 1808, the odd day of leap year was utilized 
for the purpose of holding a Society meeting, at which it was ''Voted, 
to procure a Meeting House bell that will weigh about 650 pounds." 

As affording a glimpse into the methods and requirements of the 
past, the following report of a Society's Committee may be useful. The 
report bears the date of January 8, 1798: 

We, the subscribers, being appointed a committee by the inhab- 
itants of the First Ecclesiastical Society of the Town of Bristol, to ex- 
amine the certificates lodged with the clerk of said Society, and having 
attended to the business of our appointment, beg leave to report that 
having examined the law respecting certificates, are of the opinion that 
the statute is calculated to give the most free and ample liberty to the 
good people of this State, to worship God in that way that is most agree- 
able to the dictates of their own conscience, while, at the same time, 
it is wisely guarded against exempting any from (omitting) the joining 
and attending public worship in some religious congregation of Chris- 
tians allowed by law in this State; and that in order to exempt a person 
from being taxed by the located societies, there must not only be a 
joining to some other denomination of Christians, but a common and 
ordinary attendance at the public worship of God with such denomina- 
tion of Christians; and that having examined the certificates as afore- 
said, lodged in the Society Clerk's office by John Hendricks, Jacob Linds- 
ley. Doctor Josiah Holt, Seth Roberts,' William Rich, Thomas Yale, 
James Stone and Ehas Wilcox, do not come within the meaning of the 
statute, but are liable by law and ought to be taxed by the inhabitants 
of this Society for the support of public worship; but, as lenient and 
mild measures are always preferable to more harsh and coercive, and 
as we earnestly wish for peace and harmony among all the inhabitants 
of this Society, we beg leave to recommend it as our opinion that it is 



382 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 



best tOjCancel all the taxes that are already become due from all (;r any 
<jf the above named persons, and at the same time we would let them 
know that we consider them to be holden for the payment of all taxes 
which may become due at any future period; all which is humbly sub- 
mitted by vour most obedient humble servants. 

ASA UPSON. 

ZEBULON PECK. 

STEPHEN DODGE, 

ENOS IVES. 

Committee. 




SOMK BRISTOL PUPPIES. 

Photo by Moultrope. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



383 



^^rmau lEuaug^ltr ICutbrrau 
2ton ffllfurrh 



B'i Rev. G. Gille, German Lutheran Pastor. Translated from 
THE Original German Manuscript. 




REV G. GILLE. 



TirlE German Evangelic Lutheran Zion Church in Bristol, Conn. 
was founded under the name of German Lutheran Church on 
August 19, 1894, by Rev. H. Weber, after a rehgious service 
in the Temperance Hall. The first officers were Mr. Curell, 
president, Mr. Wahl, secretary; Mr. Blank, treasurer and Mr. J. Rind- 
fleish, elder. As there were extraordinary difficulties in the way of 
erecting a church edifice, it was decided to hold services in the above 
named hall. 

Under the leadership of the third pastor. Rev. G. Brandt, tlie second 
being Rev. Handel, a cliurch was erected on School street in the year, 
1896. 

As fourth pastor, the late Rev. Gross of New Britain officiated. 
His three predecessors had preached in the spirit of the great refonner. 



384 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



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■HR^^^HhImmhm 


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iHHHBli3 



GERMAN EVANGELIC LUTHERAN ZION CHURCH. 



Dr. Martin Luther, and his fellow workers. Their doctrine is still preached 
and has been preached in all Lutheran churches of Germany for nearly 
four hundred years. Rev. Gross, on the contrary, was a member of 
the so-named Lutheran Missouri Synod and he introduced, without 
the knowledge of the congregation, the doctrine of the above narned 
synod. The point on which these two doctrines differ is the question 
of predestination. According to this doctrine, since eternity God has 
chosen a certain number of human beings and decided that these should 
and must become saved; that salvation through Christ is offered to. all, 
but only by the chosen ones does God guarantee that they surely grasp 
it and never lose it. On the other hand, it is impossible for those who 
are not chosen to become saved. 

Luther, and with him the Ltitheran church of all lands and times, 
has pronounced this doctrine unbiblical and affirms that God has chosen 
all human beings to be saved and that He does all to help them gain 
this end; that it is the fault of man if he does not grasp it. 

That these differences should be put out of the way, a conference 
was held in St. Paul's Church, Middletown, Conn., on April 8, 1901. 
A number of ministers of both doctrines were present. The same did 
not lead to an understanding. 

The successor of Pastor Gross still officiates in Bristol and on the 
ground of the doctrine of Evangelical Lutheran Missouri Synod, so-called. 

For various reasons, confessional reasons, a few of the original 
members were not allowed to attend the Lord's Supper and since the 
year, 1899, attended the St. John's Church in New Britain, until they 
built a church of their own and formed an independent congregation. 
When they did form such a congregation they looked upon it as a 
restoration of the original congregation. 

With the constitution of St. John's Church of New Britain as a 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 385 

constitution the following officers were chosen: Henry Redmann, pres- 
ident; Joseph Rindfleish, elder; Michael Rindfleish, treasurer; Fred 
Stanke, secretary; John Griinewald, trustee. 

Rev. M. W. Gaudian was given a call to act as pastor. As places 
of worship the W. E. T. & W. Hall and then the A. O. U. M. Hall were 
used. The president of the Prospect Methodist Episcopal Church 
kindly offered them the use of the basement of their church, which the 
congregation then gratefully accepted. 

In a regular meeting, in which the forty-five members of which the 
congregation consisted were present, on the 26th of May, 1902, it was 
decided to build a new church. The kind offer of Mr. W. E. Sessions 
to present them with a building lot on Judd street and plans of a chvirch, 
were thankfully accepted. The contract was given to Contractor 
Thompson. The :nanner in which the citizens of Bristol came forward 
with pecuniary help, the congregation always will gratefully remember; 
how a strange people of strange tongue extended the friendly helping 
hand. 

With glad courage and thanks to God, the congregation laid the 
cornerstone of this church on June 25, 1906, and on October 12, 1906, 
it was dedicated. On both occasions, many of the American citizens 
of Bristol were present. The sound and clear words of the English 
sermons apparently made a deep impression tipon them and gave them 
a glance into the deep soul and spirit of the Germans and their church, 
showing, at the same time, their value to religion and learning in America. 

As expected, the congregation, which was bound heart and soul to 
its new church, grew very well. Almost every month new members 
joined them. As the most of these were young unmarried people, 
many of them often changed their place of residence to other towns, 
but in spite of this, the congregation grew steadily. 

At this time their pastor, Rev. K. Riebesell, followed an urgent and 
repeated call to Englewood, N. J. Almost at the same time, their 
capable first president, Henry Redmann, was taken from them by death. 
From June, 1905, to July 1, 1906, at which time their present pastor. 
Rev. G. Gille accepted a call, the congregation could not get, that is 
keep a minister. Rev. O. Konrad, after staying Avith them three 
months followed a call to the larger congregations of Seymour and 
Shelton. It will be readily understood, when it is said that these mis- 
fortunes dampened the courage and hope in the congregation. 

Under the leadership of the present pastor, who is on the ground 
of a new constitution, at the same time president of the congregation, 
matters have acquried a brighter outlook. Apparently the congregation 
have great love and faith in him and there is, with God's help a good 
future before them, both in material and spiritual matters. 




BE.'VUTIFUL SPECIMEN OF INDI.\N PKSTT.E. 

Found on Chippcn's Hill by Frank J . Smith. Now in collection cj 
A. E. Kilbourn, So. Windsor, Conn. 



386 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



± he SAvedish Congregational Churcn 



The Swedish Congregational Church was organized in Bristol the 
7th of February, 1890, with a membership of nine. 

Rev. E. G. Hjerpe of New Britain, Conn., was invited to attend 
when the church was organized. 

On account of the small membership the church could not afford 
to have a regular pastor, but depended upon the ministers of nearby- 
towns to preach in turn for them. Rev. Hjerp'^ of New Britain being 
near to Bristol took special interest in the church, for which the church 
thanked him most heartily. 




REV. p. G. FALLQUIST. 

Pastors of nearby towns preached here in rotation until 1893, when 
Rev. A. Abrahamson, who had charge of the Swedish in the Chicago 
Theological Seminary, arrived here to take'^charge of the church. 

He told the congregation that they should have a regular pastor. 
Money being scarce, they decided to appeal to the American people 
in Bristol for help, and had very much success. Rev. Abrahamson re- 
mained here until November, 1893, when he resigned. 

Rev. Otto Svenson then took charge of the work and under his 
leadership a church was built. Until this time the church meetings 
were held in halls. The church was dedicated December 29, 1895, the 



[*This article was written by Mrs. Johnson of Goodwin Street and 
translated by George Malmgren.] 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



387 



same year that it was built. Under the leadership of Rev. Syenson 
the church took great strides towards increasing its membership and 
prosperity. Rev. Svenson resigned the 10th of March, 18U(3. 

The church was without a pastor until July of the same year, when 
Rev. H. Palmer arrived here. Rev. Palmer was well liked by the con- 
gregation and there was very much regret when he resigned in the latter 
part of the year, 1902. 

Rev. A. G. Nyreen came here the first of December, 1902. He 
stayed but a short while, leaving Bristol in the month of October, 1903. 

The congregation then voted to call Kenneth A. Bercher, who ar- 
rived in Bristol on Thanksgiving Day, 1903. He remained here a little 
over a year, leaving in December, 1904. 

Until this time Bristol and Plainville churches had been combined, 
but now decided to each work by themselves. 

Rev. David Brunstrom of Yale College then preached in Bristol 
until March, 1906, when Rev. Avel Olson came here and remained for 
three months. 

On the first of October, Rev. P. G. Fallquist came and at the present 
writing is still pastor. 

The congregation at this writing has a memliership of 25. 




THE SWEDISH CONGREGTION AL CHURCH, QUEEN STREET. 



388 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE SWEDISH LUTHERAN LEBANON 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 



By Rev. Ximrod Ebb. 

THE Swedish Lutheran Lebanon Congregation of Bristol, Conn., 
was organized October 20, 1887, with fifty-six communicant 
members. The church was built in 1891 and has a seating 
capacity for two hundred persons. The cost of the church 
and parsonage is $9,200.00. At the present time the congregation 
consists of 220 members. 




REV. O. NIMROD EBB. PkotO By EltOH 



The first Swedish ministers who visited and preached at Bristol 
were Rev. Ludwig Holmes, D. D., now at Portland, Conn., and Rev. 
O. W. Farm, now at Sioux City, Iowa. Rev. A. F. Lundquist was the 
first local pastor and came here in the spring of 1893. In 1903 Rev. 
Lundquist resigned his charge of this church and moved to McKeesport, 
Pennsylvania, and was succeeded by Rev. E. C. Jesseys, who moved to 
Kiron, Iowa, in May, 1906. The present pastor. Rev. O. Nimrod Ebb, 
B. D., was called from Duquesne, Pennsylvania and took charge of the 
congregation, September 30, 1906. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



389 




THE SWEDISH LUTHERAN' LKHAXON CO N'C.RE T, ATK )X A L CHURCH. 



390 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



SWANSTON'S ORCHESTRA 



ORGANIZED in 1903, is now in its fourth season.^ With Chas. 
A. Swanston, first violin and leader, Robert H. Woodford, 
clarinet, Fred C. Galpin, cornet, Lucien E. Rouse, trombone 
and Walter H. Porch as pianist, the personelle is the same as 
when organized with the exception of Mr. Porch, who succeeded Mrs. 
Florence Tucker after the first season. 

With a reportorie of standard and popular concert and dance music, 
they have been heard at almost all of the clubs, societies, and assemblies 
in town, also High School "Class Nights" and graduation. Music at 
basket ball games for two seasons were furnished by them 
1 They do not aspire to the ranks of professionalism, but rather for 
the sake of congenial fellowship among themselves, and the love of 
music. They hold rehearsals every week. The financial remuneration 
from engagements being sufficient to create and maintain an interest 
that has brought them to a state of proficiency that is very creditable 
to an amteur orchestra and with the five "regular" men they can at short 
notice procure musicians in town to make a good orchestra of eight to 
ten pieces. 




swanstun's okchkstra. Photo liy Ellon. 



392 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Natural History Pnotography' 



Py Geo. E. Moulthrope. 

DURING 1902-1903, I was engaged supplying photographs 
and data for several Ornithological and Natural History Pub- 
lications and soon found I had attempted by far the most 
difficult, as well as the most interesting branch of photography. 

The ordinary camera and lens not being equal to produce the ob- 
jects large enough, the extreme long focus instrument, with the most 
powerful lenses are required, which, with the various other articles 
used, made an equipment which carried for 8 or 10 hours on a trip through 
brush, swamps, briars, over stonewalls and barbed wire fences, makes 
one aware of the fact that he had well earned a week or two's salary, 
even if, as often was the case, it was acquired in a single day. 

On my first outing I was requested to secure pictures showing 
a phoebe, also her nest and eggs. The scene began at the Log Cabin 
on Fall Mountain, on a beautiful May morning. A Phoebe was found 
to have constructed her nest on a beam under a shed facing the north. 

Of course photographing a live bird under these conditions, was 
out of the question, and I had to resort to some way of throwing sun- 
light under the shed onto the nest and bird thus lighting it sufficiently 
to admit of a snapshot. 

I had in the outfit two mirrors, about two feet square, one of which 
I placed outside at the correct angle to throw the light on the desired 
place. What a change this made. The nest and woodwork surrounding 
it was transformed from a dark shed into a spot of dazzling brightness. 



*The following is a description of cuts on Page 391, 

(1) KING bird's nest IN AN OLD APPLE TREE. 
(2) LIVE QUAIL ON HER NEST. 
(3) GREEN heron's NEST IN MAPLE TREE. 

(4) crow's NEST IN PINE TREE. PHOTOGRAPHED 60 FEET FROM THE 

GROUND. CAMERA AND ARTIST HAD TO BE STRAPPED TO 
THE TREE IN TAKING PHOTO. 

(5) BANK swallow's NEST IN SAND BANK. PART OF BANK HAD TO BE 

DUG AWAY TO SHOW NEST. 
(6) BLUE jay's NEST IN A DENSE PINE TREE. 
(7) WHIP-POOR-WILL'S eggs ON GROUND. THEY BUILD NO NEST. 

All of these were photographed in their natural location and with 
the exception of the Bank Swallow's, were undisturbed and that only 
slightly. As I had to furnish data regarding the nests, birds, etc., as 
well as the photos, I inade several visits to most of the nests. 

The eggs all hatched in due time, and in case of the quail, 15 little 
fuzzy balls, a little larger than bumble bees, darted away at my second 
visit to their home. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



393 



What bird would have the hardiness to return under such changed 
conditions! 

Before trying the old bird I thought it would be a good idea to 
secure photos of the nest and eggs, but here another difficulty. 

The nest was situated above my head and close to the roof of the 
shed so that the eggs could not be seen. I could easily photograph 
the nest on the beam, but I had to furnish photographs showing the 
eggs also. 

The second mirror helped me out of this difficulty and after I had 
placed it in position above the nest I made the exposure and secured 
the photo shown here. 

A barn swallows' nest was photographed from the top of a 30 foot 
ladder with the aid of the mirrors and reflected sunlight, later in the 
season in the same manner. 

The Phoebe's nest I secured and printed here is shown right side 
up, but immediately upon handing the photo to anyone they invariably 
quickly turn it around as if afraid the eggs might fall out, and it takes 
a little explanation on my part to show them that they are not looking 
at the eggs but only at their image in the mirror placed over them. 

Now to the old bird. The second mirror was removed and after 
attaching several yards of rubber tubing to my camera shutter, I hid 
myself and with the aid of my field glasses I watched and waited for 




YELLOW HA.MMER S NEST — IN HOLLOW TREE. 



394 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



the old bird's return. The shifting sun made it necessary to adjust 
the mirrors about every five minutes, which undoubtedly delayed the 
Phoebe in her decision to return to her nest, although she made several 
hundred attempts during the next few hours. She finally settled on the 
nest for a fractional part of time, the instant was the one I had been 
watching and waiting five long hours for and the click of the shutters 
announced that I had won in my contest with the phoebe, two first 
class photos being secured, showing the bird in two positions. 

During the next two years several hundred photos were secured 
under similar circumstances, including birds, nests, game, and hunting 
scenes. The subjects varying in height from the ground, as in case of 
the quail on her nest, and whip-poor-will photos, to the crow's nest, 
which was photographed 60 feet from the ground in the top of a swaying 
pine. In this instance, as in others, I had a large limb to stand upon, 
but having to use both hands in the taking of the photos, I had to strap 
myself to the tree, draw up my outfit with rope, securely strap it to the 
tree and then proceed with taking the photos. 

It is needless to say that this line of photos is in a greater demand 
by many publications than any other. A few of the photos I secured 
are reproduced here. 




VIEW OF phorbe's NEST. Photographed ivilJi ihc aid of mirrors. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



395 



Present Industries of Bristol 



THE SESSIONS CLOCK COMPANY. 

THE Sessions Clock Company is one of the leading industries 
of the town, and is located at Forestville Avhich is another 
village and post office in the town of Bristol, about three miles 
east of the borough on the direct line of travel to New Britain 
and Hartford. The company which they succeeded was founded by 
Elisha N. Welch in 1855. He was for a generation a very prominent 
manufacturer of the town and interested in many of its leading manu- 
facturing industries. Mr. Welch bought the property and business 
of the assignee of J. C. Brown, who was a large clock manufacturer until 
1855. He also purchased the factories of F. S. Otis and the Forest- 
ville Hardware Co., all of which he devoted to the manufacture of clocks. 
In 1864 he organized the E. N. Welch Mfg. Co., associating his son 
James Hart Welch and his son-in-law, George Henry Mitchell, with 




VIEWS OF THE PLANT IN 1907. 



him as officers in the company. The business was conducted by them, 
manufacturing of clocks in large variety until after Mr. Elisha N. Welch's 
death in 1887. In the meantime they had merged into the company 
the business of Welch, Spring & Co., which had been conducted by 
Mr. Solomon Spring and Mr. Elisha N. Welch in the manufacture of 
fine regulator clocks. Mr. George Henry Mitchell died in 1886 and Mr. 
James Hart Welch in 1902: 



39G 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




WHIP-POOR-WILL WITH EGGS 



After Mr. Welch's death in 1887 the company went out of busi- 
ness for some time on account of financial reverses. The company was 
reorganized in 1897 under the same name, the E. N. Welch Mfg. Co., by 
George W. Mitchell, James Hart Welch, Mrs. George H. Mitchell, Ed- 
ward A. Freeman, A. H. Condell and a number of others and conducted 
by them until the summer of 1902, when on account of the death of 
James Hart Welch, which occurred in the spring of the same year, they 
were financially embarrassed, and Mr. William E. Sessions, president 
and principal owner of the Sessions Foundry Co., was persuaded to 
interest himself in the business and did so largely in order to save the 
company from bankruptcy, and the village of Forestville from another 
period of adversity. He was elected President of the company, Mr. 
Albert L. Sessions, his nephew, w-as elected treasurer and Edward A. 
Freeinan of Plainville secretary. The Messrs. Sessions secured a control 
of the stock of the company and within a few raonths purchased prac- 
tically every share of stock, when the name of the company was changed 
to The Sessions Clock Co. 

Since that time, although the old company had rebuilt the case 
shop and movement shop with new modern brick buildings and equipped 
them with modern machinery, on account of fires which had destroA'ed 
the old buildings, the new company have erected still other large new 
brick buildings of modern construction and equipped them with the 
best machinery and appliances, Avhich include the black enameling 
department, finishing department, power plant including new engine 
and boilers and brick stack, kiln drys, warehouse and shipping depart- 
inent, lumber sheds and railroad sidings and made very large improve- 
ments at a cost of a large sum of money. Since the Messrs. Sessions 
took up the enterprise the business has developed rapidly and employ- 
ment has been given to more than double the number of hands that 
had been employed for a number of years previously. The output of 
the coiTipany in eight day penduUnn clocks compares favorably with 
that of the other leading manufacturers, and the prospects for the con- 
tinued success of the company are well assured. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



397 



Ike S 



essions rounary 



dry Co 



mpany 



There is no more complete plant of the kind in the world than the 
establishment of the Sessions Foundry Company, begun in August, 
1S94, and finished in December, 1895. It is a model in all respects. 
In it the Messrs. Sessions have met and solved the problem of economi- 
cal production by the construction of the plant in such a manner that 
the raw material on its way to the finished product, can be handled at 
the least joossible expense and the least number of times. The works 
embody the best practice of the present time in design, arrangement 
and appliances. The members of the company have had long practical 
experience and are intiinately acquainted with every detail of the busi- 
ness. This enabled them to so plan and construct as to provide for the 
most economical production of both large and small castings. Every 
department exhibits careful forethought and thorough knowledge of 
the business. 

After an extended experience in the wood turning and trunk hard- 
ware business John H. Sessions bought out the foundry business of the 
Bristol Foundry company in 1879, and took his son William into part- 
nership, the business being conducted under the name of Sessions Foundry 
Company. Since the start the business has been under the direct man- 
agement of William E. Sessions, and has developed from a small plaut 
having but ten thousand dollars capital stock and a force of abont 
eighteen men to its present proportions. 




BiRSEYE VIEW OK SESSIONS FOUNDRY. Cut locjiicd by Company. 



398 BRISTOI., CONNECTICUT 




WILLIAM E. SESSIONS. 



In July, 1896, the company was changed from a partnership to a 
corporation, vmder a special charter by the Legislature. The ofificers 
are John H. Sessions, president; William E. Sessions, treasurer; Geo. 
M. Eggleston, a graduate of Wesleyan University of Middletown, Conn., 
secretary, and Joseph B. Sessions, assistant secretary. 

The plant, which includes some thirty acres, and is the largest 
plant of the kind east of Chicago, is about one mile from the center 
of Bristol, and is bounded on one side by the tracks of the N. Y., N. H. 
& H. R. R. 

Provision has been made for any growth that may become necessary 
in the future, as the works are located near the center of the tract owned 
by the company. At the entrance, which is at the south side of the 
grounds, is the main ofhce building, to the rear and connected with 
which is the pattern storage building, containing the superintendent's 
office and pattern rooms. To the east of this is a large storehouse for 
inactive patterns, surplus castings and general storage. Directly north 
of the pattern storage building, and connected thereto, is the shipping 
department, to the west of which are the heater rooms, sorting room, 
tumbling barrel room and power house, while to the east are the shipping 
and cleaning rooms and carpenter and machine shops. Still further 
north is the large foimdry or moulding room, on the south side of which 
is the foreman's othcc and foundry pattern repair room, and on the 
north side are the cupolas, core rooms and mold drying ovens. North 
of the foundry are molding sand bins and .stockyard. To the east of 
these are the slag tumbling barrels. 

The standard gauge track system, of which there is about two 
miles inside the grounds, is most complete, and every building is ap- 
proached from the main line. This, in connection with the narrow 
gavige system of tracks, of which there is three-fovirths of a mile, which 
traverse the buildings and yards, provides for the rapid and easy hand- 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 'i 



399 



ling of supplies and material, and for the convenient shipment of the 
finished articles. The business is of such magnitude as to demand the 
services of two locomotives, which are owned by the company. The 
track enters the yard at the southwestern corner, and branches east- 
ward to the shipping department, power house, cleaning rooms, and to 
the eastern end of the foundry, which it enters, so as to handle the 
heaviest castings. 

Handling the Work. 

When cars enter the property, their contents are weighed before 
being dumped into the bins, and a record is kept by the weighmaster 
of the amount of material in each bin and of the amount that is taken 
to charge each furnace. The furnaces are supplied by push cars, 
which after being weighed, are run over a trestle to the charging plat- 
form of the furnaces, which is on the level of the storage bins and about 
ten feet above the floor of the foundry. 

The foundry building is six hundred and thirty feet long and one 
hundred and twelve feet wide, and is divided into three aisles by two 
interior rows of columns. The roof trusses in the wings are eighteen 
feet above the floor, while the trusses over the central aisle are forty 
feet above the floor. 

Located against the north wall are four cupola rooms, each cupola 
room being arranged for tw'o cupolas having a capacity of fifty tons 
each. Each cupola is supplied with a blast from a blower driven by a 
by a twenty-five horse-power electric motor. 

Between the middle cupola rooms is a washroom forthe workmen and 
a core room, the latter containing two core ovens. The small cores are 
made in a room one hundred and six feet long by twenty-three feet wide 
above the wash and core baking room. For about three-quarters of 
the length of the foundry building, a sand wall five feet high is constructed, 
with openings for the car tracks. Benches are constructed along both 
sides of this sand wall and along the south wall of the building, and it 
is upon these that all of the smaller molds are made. 




.M A I .N' I ) F I- 1 CI-: . 



400 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

At the eastern end of the foundry there is a pit forty-five feet wide 
and eighty feet long, and in this all of the heavy castings are made. 
This pit is three feet deep and is paved with brick. Tw-o twenty- 
ton Morgan traveling electric cranes traverse the center aisle of the 
foundry for one-third its length, while on opposite corners of the pit 
are located four six-ton hydraulic jib cranes. The larger sized ladles 
are handled by the traveling and jib cranes. 

Steana from the engine boilers is carried to a large coil of pipe where 
it is driven through large galvanized flues to all parts of the buildings 
by the Sturtevant blower system, making an overhead heating arrange- 
ment that is sufficient and that gives the most perfect ventilation, the 
entire air of the buildings being subject to change once in twenty min- 
utes. This is a very important feature in a fovmdry. The flues which 
run overhead in all the rooms are large, tapering down to smaller sizes 
required by the smaller rooms. The flue which leaves the blower is 
seventy-eight inches in diameter and goes directly into the great foun- 
dry room, giving a large radiating surface. When the pouring is going 
on the heat is not needed and is shut off, or turned to other rooms. 

The cleaning and shipping building is three hundred and twenty- 
three feet long and L-shaped. The west portion, containing the tumble- 
barrel room and sorting room, is fifty-three feet wide, and the -east 
portion, containing cleaning and shipping room, is ninety-eight feet wide. 
A special feature of the shipping room is that eight cars can be placed 
in the building, the doors tightly closed, and the cars loaded at pleasure, 
avoiding any possible inconveniences in inclement weather. 

When the smaller castings have been made they are taken to the 
tumbling barrels, of which there are fifty, and there cleaned. From 
thence they are taken to the sorting room and then to the shipping 
rooni adjoining, and after being packed and weighed are loaded on cars. 
The floor of the cars is on a level with the floor of the shipping room. 
The heavy castings are lifted from the pit by the cranes and put on the 
fiat cars and taken to the cleaning room, where a pickling vat is pro- 
vided. The castings are cleaned and any machine work that is neces- 
sary is done in the adjoining machine shop, the castings being run in 
upon cars. A 10-ton electric travelling crane traverses the east end of 
the shii)ping and cleaning room for handling and loading heavj' castings. 

The carpenter and machine shop is a separate two-story building, 
about one-half of the lower floor being occupied by the carpenter shop 
and the other half by the machine shop. The upper floor contains the 
pattern shop. All patterns are stored in the two-story building specially 
provided for the purpose. 

The office bviilding is a handsome structure of Roxbury granite, 
two stories high, with a south and west frontage looking out upon a 
large grassed lawn. This offfce building is conveniently arranged and 
cqui])ped for the rapid transaction of business, having two long-distance 
telephone systems which can be used alternately, an independent local 
telephone system reaching to twenty-four localities in the works, for 
immediate communication with all the departments, and a pneumatic- 
tube system connecting with the shipping ofiice for the transmission of 
orders and documents. 

The gate-house, which is also the time keeper's office, is fitted up 
Avith self-registering time clocks. Each employe of the company has 
to pass through the gate-house upon entering or leaving the foundry. 

The best proof of the interest taken in the employes is what has been 
done for their comfort and convenience. The toilet rooms are samples. 
They have received attention from a sanitary standpoint, as well as 
that of utility. The washbowls are provided with hot and cold water 
supply. Employes have individual lockers in which their clothing and 
belongings can be kept. The time-honored custom which regards a 
foundry as inevitably associated with dirt, smoke and smudge, is upset 
at the Sessions foundrv. 



'>R "new CAMBRIDGE." 



401 




402 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Along the south front of the plant runs a trout brook, as clear as 
crystal, and this has been turned to run by the roadside furnishing a 
natural boundary to the grounds and lawn in front of the plant. A 
handsome stone bridge across it furnishes entrance to the premises. 
In addition to the plant proper, the Sessions' company has purchased 
large tracts of land with buildings in the immediate vicinity which 
may be developed into a residence section for its employes. The com- 
pany will not establish any tenement system but will sell to its employes 
at reasonable prices, having a view to encouraging them to form a model 
industrial community. All objectionable features will be excluded, 
and the workmen employed by the firm will not only have a comfort- 
able factory in which to work, but opportunity for self-improvement 
as well, and that without anything that savors of patronage. 

There were used in the building of this great plant seven hundred 
and sixty tons of structural steel, three inillion bricks, and four hundred 
tons of slate. There are three and one-half acres of floor space in the 
buildings, mostly on one floor. 

Within this immense enclosure the Sessions Foundry company 
cast anything ordered from the smallest to the largest, its customers 
coming from the manufacturing trade of New England and near by. 
There is naturally an almost endless variety to the work turned out, 
but any one seeing this foundry room with its splendid equiimnent will 
be satisfied that whatever is wanted can be turned out with rapidity 
and with the greatest possible economy. 




TOILET ROO.M. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



^(i:5 




.iU-Ki..\ .TbojlONS FOUNDRY CO. S YARD ENGINE. 



y 









This was the old Ingraham Movement shop, l)uilt for a hardware 
shop, corner Meadow and North Main Streets. For description see At- 
kins' notes, which also descripe the old case shop, later Turner Heater 
works. The building to left of shop was oftice of Ingraham Co. (upper 
fioor) for many years. 



404 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



HOBRO & ROWE. 

Hobro & Rowe's Granite and Marble Works. 

Alfred H. Hobro is well known to the people of Bristol, being for- 
merly in the employ of Geo. C. Arms as his foreman from 1896 until 
entering into business for himself in 1906 at the same location formerly 
occupied by Geo. C. Anns, which was bought by William H. Rowe, 
member of this firm. Mr. Hobro first went to learn his trade with his 
father in 1890 at the well known firm of Thomas Phillips & Son of New 
Haven. After serving his time at the trade, he severed his connection 
with that firm to accept a position as foreman for the P. W. Bates Granite 
Works of Norwalk, Conn., which he held until 1896 when he accepted 
the position as foreman for Geo. C. Anns. His work can be seen on 
most of the monuments illustrated in this book. Many of which were 
erected by this firm. William H. Rowe is well known to most of the 
people of Bristol, being successfully engaged in the coal and wood busi- 
ness for the last thirteen years his sheds being located on side track in 
the rear of the Granite Works. On and after January 1, 1908 the granite 
and marble business will be conducted under the name of Alfred H. 
Hobro, he to buy out the interest of his partner, William H. Rowe. He 
expects to be located in a new building which is to be erected where 
the old shop now stands and will be equipped with latest machinery 
making a first class shop so as to handle his increasing business. 




OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE." 



405 



THE BARTHOLOMEW FACTORY, EDGEWOOD. 

The factory called "Grinding Shop" was built by George W. Bartholo- 
mew, 1846, for use in the manufacture of table cutlery. The street was 
one of the pieces of abandoned road, called in the deed of 1828 to Asa 
Bartholomew, "Mill Road." Re-opened, 1846, and known as "The 
New Road," until 1882, when the first Bristol directory published the 
name "Warner Street." The cutlery business was closed when Mr. 
Bartholomew in the fall of 1848 went with his friends to California. 
In 1855 George W. and Harry S. Bartholomew, (father and son) formed 
the partnership under firm name G. W. & H. S. Bartholomew to manu- 
facture bit stock braces, beginning their project in the "Grinding Shop." 
In the early sixties the business was removed to the former clock factories. 
Soon after the removal of the Bartholomews, a wood turning enter- 
prise was started and conducted at this place by Alpress, Carpenter & 
Company (Charles H. Alpress, Wm. B. Carpenter, Jr. and Augustus H. 
Warner). There were changes in the personnel of the firm. C. H. 
Alpress' interest was bought by Henry A. Warner, father of Augustus 
(Carpenter & Warner). The second change was in the purchase by 
Mr. H. A. Warner of W. B. Carpenter's share in the business. The 
firm then was H. A. & A. H. Warner till their removal to District No. 8, 
after the burning of the first (Grinding Shop) and second (New Factory) 
built on its site. These fires were the beginning of a series of similar 
calamities sufficient to dishearten a common man. Ruin's mark the 
locality of the Grinding Shop and its successor (1907). 




bartholomew kactokv from rare sketch 
(original in colors) 



400 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



The first manufacturer and builder known to have a business career 
at the location marked 61, was the remarkable beaver that built the 
first dam. Date of construction unknown. In 1788, Benjamin and 
William Jerome, 2d (brothers), purchased from Amasa Ives an interest 
in the gristmill w'hich was increased in 1803. In 1809 William Jerome, 
2d, was three-quarters owner with Isaac Graham owner of the remain- 
ing one-quarter. The mill was sold to (Byington and Graham (Martin 
Byington and Isaac Graham, Sen.), who conducted the mill for some 
years. William Jerome, 2d, died 1821. On the site of the gristmill 
or in it, George W. Bartholomew with his cousin Eli Bartholomew began 
to make clocks, 1828. G. W. Bartholomew continued the business 
alone until 1840. A second factory with bell was on the north side of 
the road(the bell was finally used in Bristol for a school-house), where 
decorating clock tablets and filling numbers for clock faces was done 
by young women. 

The Winstons did a brisk wood turning business for five years- 
Possibly Allen Winston may have had for a short period an industry 
in this building. Some of the Winstons made at one time coffee roasters 
and Edward M. Barnes of Peaceable Street made candle sticks in the 
basement. Soon after 1860 G. W. and H. S. Bartholomew employed 
the Bunnell Brothers (Warren and Norris) of Burlington to move the 
bell shop across the street where it was joined to the first building to 
increase the rooin needed for the bit brace works. It was destroyed 
by fire 1884 when G. W. Bartholomew retired. Harry S. Bartholomew 
built anew and was identified with this business at the time of his death, 
February 19, 1902. His son Joseph P. Bartholomew who had relieved 
his father of all care for several years continvied the business until sold 
to Stanley Rule & Level Company of New Britain. The factory is still 
in possession of heirs of H. S. Bartholomew. 




VIEWS OF PLANT IN 1907. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE," 



407 



THE E. INGRAHAM COMPANY. 

The E. Ingraham Company was founded by Elias Ingraham, who 
was born in Marlborough, Conn., November 1st, 1805. 

From 1827 to 1835 he made clock cases under contract for various 
parties, and in the latter year bought a shop with water privilege in 
Bristol, Conn., where the present factories now stand, and commenced 
making clocks on his own account. This he continued until 1843, in 
which year he and his brother formed a partnership with Elisha C. 
Brewster, under the firm name of Brewster & Ingraham. This firm 
was succeeded in 1848 by E. & A. Ingraham, who continued business 
until 1855 in which year the plant was entirely destroyed by fire. Two 
years later Elias Ingraham rented a shop and continued the manu- 
facture of clocks, and in 1859 formed a co-partnership with Edward 
Ingraham, his son, which was continued until 1881. In that year a 
joint stock conipan}'' was formed, comprising Elias Ingraham, Edward 
Ingraham and the three sons of Edward Ingraham, Walter A., William 
S. and Irving E. 




Elias Ingraham died in August, 1885, and Edward Ingraham in 
August, 1892. The officers of the company and its inanagers at the 
present time are: Walter A. Ingraham, president; Irving E. Ingraham, 
vice president; and William S. Ingraham, secretary and treasurer. 

The company is engaged exclusively in the manufacture of eight- 
day wooden case pendulum clocks and nickel alarms. The line of 
eight-day clocks comprises practically every style of wooden case clocks 
consisting of hundreds of patterns. 

The plant at the present time consists of two main buildings, the 
case shop and movement shop, with the necessary auxiliary buildings, 
all built of brick and equipped with the most modern machinery for 
the manufacture from raw material of practically every "part" entering 
into the construction of a clock. The case shop is 400 feet long, four 
stories high, connected by an overhead passage with the movement 



408 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




shop, which is 250 feet long, four stories high. The auxihary buikiings 
consist of engine house, boiler house, kiln dry, casting and plating shop, 
raw material warehouse, finished stock ware house (capacity 100,000 
clocks) and other sinaller buildings. 

L. H. SNYDER & COMPANY. 

The finn of L. H. Snyder & Company, was organized in January 
of 1902. They commenced business in the factory formerly occupied 
by The Codling Manufacturing Company, and . continued operations 
there for one year. In 1903 they purchased the Churchill property 
on the corner of East Street and Riverside Avenue, which is their present 
location. 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



409 



THE TURNER HEATER COMPANY. 

■ ^ j|The Turner Heater Company was organized September 18, 1890, 
as*a joint stock company capitalized at $50,000, for the purpose of 
manufacturing and dealing in hot air heaters and other heating devices. 
The officers being: W. A. Ingraham, president, George S. Hull, vice 
president and S. K. Montgomery, secretary and treasurer. The com- 
pany bought all the patents of L. W. Turner covering the Turner hot 
air. heater and started business in the old case shop of The E. Ingraham 
Company which was bought for the purpose. 




In 1892, S. K. Montgomery resigned as secretary and treasurer 
and G. W. Neubauer was elected to the position. Geo. S. Hull was 
elected president in 1893 and held the position until his death in 1906, 
when W. E. Fogg was elected to the position. The old case shop was 
destroyed by fire in 1904 and in spring of 1905 the present shop was 
built. Besides wholesaling and retailing furnaces the company does a 
jobbing business in smoke stacks, blowers and metal roofing. 



410 



HRISTOI., COXNKCTICfT 



r 
> 

H 
O 

W 

I— I 
w 
H 
O 
f 

JO 

w 
w 




OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



411 



THE HORTON MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 

The Horton Manufacturing Company, situated at No. 135 North 
Main Street, manufacturers of the famous Bristol Steel fishing rods, 
organized in 1887, has a capitalization of $100,000, with the following 
officers: Charles F. Pope, president, residing in New York; Charles 
T. Treadway, treasurer, and Willis H. Bacon, secretary. 

The plant consists of a three story brick building and tower, forty 
by two hundred feet, of the best construction, a one story hardening 
shop, twenty-five by twenty-five feet, and a two .story finishing shop, 
twenty by twenty-five feet. 

The factory equipment is of the best, with latest improved ma- 




chinery. About one hundred skilled workmen are employed the year 
round, producing a line of steel fishing rods ranging from the lighest 
fiy tackle to the heavier styles used in deep sea angling, as well as a 
comprehensive line of rod mountings and sundries. 

Rood & Horton, established in 1874, machine work ^and novel- 
ties, sold out in 1880 to New Haven Clock Company, Mr. Horton 
oing to New Haven. 

In 1886 Mr. Horton came back to Bristol and started in the same 
line as before, and invented the steel rod in 1886 and 1887. The Hor- 
ton Manufacturing Company was formed, and Mr.|;^ Horton eventually 
selling his interest in the rods and patents to them. 



4i; 



BRISTOL, CONXECTICUT 



JEROME B. FORD MACHINE SHOP. 

Jerome B. Ford Machine Shop was established in 1894. The 
shop' contains 30 different machines for the manufacture of dies and 
tools, and special machinery. It is equipped with machinery for both 
large and small works of all descriptions. 





INTERIOR, SlIOWINC. MR. lORI) .\T WORK. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



413 



FLETCHER TERRY & COMPANY. 

The firm of Fletcher. Terry & Company, located in East Bristol, 
was started in January, 1903, for the purpose of making and placing 
on the market a patented glass cutter. Meeting with good success, 
they have branched out into the standard styles also, and they are 
today making as large a line of glass cutters for all purposes as any 
other firm in the United States. Catering in particular to the glass 




trade, they are making a cutter that is rapidly gaining a reputation 
for the firm among the large users. 

The policy of the firm is for expansion, and already other depar- 
tures in light hardware lines are contercplated. 

The firm was started by Fred S. Fletcher and Franklin E. Terry, 
but later on two brothers of Mr. Fletcher were taken into partnership. 
They employ at present from three to seven employees and the pros- 
pects are that more help will be required in the near future. 



414 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE PENFIELD SAW WORKS. 

The business that bears this name was started in 1834 by the late 
Irenus Atkins; conducted by him for about 30 years, then removed to 
present location and organized as The Porter Saw Co., later as The 
Bristol Saw Co. 

In 1879 it was bought by E. O. Penfield, and conducted bj' him vmtil 
1899, when it was acquired by the present owner, M. D. Edgerton, and 
since that time known as The Penfield Saw Works. 




:i-.-.— ^•■'■— 



The saws inade here are of high grade, adapted to cutting a wide 
range of material; those for various kinds of metal being special feature. 
Other goods are made including circular slitters for metal and paper, 
dial plates, cutting and creasing rule for folding box-makers use. 
[ Selling is mainly direct to users. 



TURNER & DEEGAN. 

The individual proprietors of the works are: Messrs. Geo. H. 
Turner and Patrick H. Deegan. The business consists of the manufac- 
ture of bit braces, screw drivers and other light hardware. 

This enterprise was established in March, 1894, at Forestville, 
in the factory known as the old Bit Shop, formerly used for the manu- 
facturing of clocks, and located on the Pequabuck River. They con- 
tinued business in this factory for about five years, when in the spring 
of 1899, March 13, Mr. Deegan, through an accident, received injuries 
from which he died, March 20. 

Mr. Turner purchased of the estate Mr. Deegan's interest, con- 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



415 



tinning the business under the firm's name. During this year Mr. 
Turner purchased of A. H. Warner & Company their water privilege, 
located in northern part of the town in the village formerly called Polk- 
ville, now called Edgewood, and built a new factory and moved into it 
November of the same year. This gave them more room which they 
needed in the manufacturing of their goods, which has developed a 
demand for their products in all parts of the United States and foreign 
countries. 

Before closing this subject the writer would like to call attention 
to the fact, as a matter of history, that this water privilege was built 
by Alexander and Edward Graham. Leasing the land that the pond 
is' built on from David A. and Franklin Newell on May 23d, 1843. Term 
of lease 999 years. Just when the factory was completed is not known 
by the writer, but somewhere about 1843. For several years they 
made clocks and other house furniture. 

Loring Byington became interested in the company during the 
year of 1843, and until aliout ISOO, when on January 1st, 18G2, H. A. 



p ■ 




mi^&f-. ■■- 



Warner and John H. Sessions purchased this property from the Bristol 
Savings Bank & Building and Loan Association. They entered the 
wood turning business and began the manufacture of cabinet furniture 
trimmings. They continued as a company until April 15th, 1865, 
when Mr. J. H. Sessions bought out Mr. Warner's interest and con- 
tinued the business there until 1869; disposed of this property and 
built a new factory in the center of the town. George Turner purchas- 
ing this property on April 15th, 1869, began the manufacture of table 
cutlery and other light hardware until 1884, when this factory was 
destroyed by fire, Mr. Turner disposing of his property to Mr. E. F. 
Gaylord, December 2d, 1885, and on December 3d, Mr. Gaylord sold to 
H. S. Bartholomew. 

In the spring of 1891 Mr. Bartholomew exchanged property with 
A. H. Warner & Company. They, building a new factory on this site, 
■continued the wood turning business until 1896. when this property 
was again destroyed by fire. Then they moved their business to 
Plainville 



416 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE BRISTOL MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 

The Bristol Manufacturing Company is one of the oldest establish- 
ments in Bristol, and its mills and warehouses are located on both sides 
of Riverside Avenue, a little east of Main street. The Company was 
organized in 1837 with a capital stock of $45,000, and manufactured 
satinet.' Chauncey Ives and Bryan Hooker were respectively first 
President and Secretary. In 1856 the Company was reorganized and 
its capital stock was increased to $75,000, and John English chosen 




THE BRISTOL PLANT. 



President with Harmanus Welch Secretary. They then gave their 
attention to the manufacture of knit underwear, in which the Company 
has ever since been successfully engaged. The growth of the Com- 
pany in its new business has been steady, and its career has been pros- 
perous, as its product has become very popular in the markets by 
reason of its superior quality and excellent finish. 

In 1860 Mr. English retired and Mr. J.'R. Mitchell was chosen 
President. He was succeeded by Elisha N. Welch who held the position 
until his death, in August, 1887, when Mr. Mitchell was again made 
President, and served until his death in May, 1899. Mr. Mitchell was 
followed by Mr. J. Hart Welch as President, until he died in 1902, when 
Mr. F. G. Hayward was elected President. Mr. Hayward has been 
with the Company since 1879, first as its Secretary, then as Treasurer 
and Manager, and now as its President. The present officers of the 
Company are, F. G. Hajrwafd, President, Pierce N. Welch, Vice Pres- 
ident, and A. D. Hawley, Secretary and Treasurer. The Directors are 
Pierce N. Welch, Henry F. Enghsh of New Haven, F. G. Hayward, 
Julian R. Hawley, Roger S. Newell, A. D. Hawley and C. T. Treadway 
of Bristol. 

Besides the Bristol Mills, the Company owns and operates a large 
mill at Plain villc, which was formerly conducted as The Plain ville Man- 
ufacturing Company, and einploys in the two mills about 350 hands. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



417 




THE PLAINVILLE PLANT 

CLAYTON BROTHERS, INCORPORATED. 

The business of this firm was founded by WiUiani Clayton, a native 
of Sheffield, England, who came to this country in 1849 and started a 
factory in Whigville, Conn., in 1866, occupying part of the Don E. Peck 
factory where he manufactured table cutlery handles of wood, bone 
and ivory, iniporting blades from England and hafting them in this 
country. After a short time he moved to Bristol and occupied the old 
Dunbar shop on Union street, now owned by H. C. & A. J. Clayton, 
where he continued the manufacture of table cutlery, and re-plating and 
re-finishing. In this business he was associated with his son under 
the firm name of Clayton Bros. & Son. In 1875 they purchased a shop 
and water privilege known as the Drum Shop, building a new dain and 
factory. At first little was done in the table cutlery line, the company 
engaging largely in the manufacture of screw drivers. About 1881 they 
commenced the manufacture of shears, which since then has continued 
to be their principle business. Mr. Wm. Clayton founder of the busi- 
ness died in 1883, and after his death the business was continued by his 




418 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



sons under the firm name of Clayton Brothers. The two younger broth- 
ers, Frank and James, withdrew and started in business for themselves 
in the old Watrous Shop in the style of Frank Clayton & Co. This 
shop burned down in 1893, and the old firm of Clayton Bros., and Frank 
Clayton & Co. consolidated as Clayton Brothers, and built a new fac- 
tory on the site of the Watrous Shop in 1893, where they manufactured 
steel laid, cast iron shears and tinner snips. 

November 17, 1906, Clayton Bros, sold their business to W. M. 
Bowes of New York, who previously marketed their goods for a number 
of years, and S. L. Butler of Northampton, Mass. December 26th, 
Bowes and Butler incorporated the business under the firm name of 
Clayton Brothers, Incorporated. The plant has been added to from 
year to year, and they have recently completed a large foundry for 
turning out their grev iron castings. The business is growing rapidly. 



THE H. C. THOMPSON CLOCK COMPANY. 

This business was founded by Chauncey Ives, who, in 1849, sold 
out to Noah Pomeroy. Mr. Pomeroy continued the business, making 
clock movements only, until 1878, when H. C. Thompson purchased 
the plant and increased the business by adding new lines of manu- 
facture. 

In 1903 a joint stock company was formed and the name was 
■changed to The H. C. Thompson Clock Company. 




THE OLO FACTOKV, P.\RTI.\I.I. Y BTRXKn NOV. 20, 1906. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



419 




NEW PLANT ON FEDERAL STREET. 

The business has grown and developed so that not only clock move- 
ments, but gas, water and electric meters, spring motors and various 
articles of similar nature are manufactured. 

November 20, 1906, the plant was destroyed partially by fire. 
The old wooden shop was superseded by a modern brick structure, 
where business was resumed in May, 1907, with largely increased 
facilities. 



A, H. WARNER & COMPANY. 

The business now conducted by this company was established in 
1865 by Charles H. Alpress and William B. Carpenter in the district 
since known both as Polkville and Edgewood. In the spring of 1866, 
Augustus H. Warner was admitted to partnership, the firm being known 
as Alpress, Carpenter & Company. The following fall, Henry A. Warner 
bought the interest of Mr. Alpress. Soon after, the business was moved 
from the factory of G. W. & H. S. Bartholomew to one of their own a 
little farther down the stream. The product was wood turning, mostly 
handles, and was entirely hand turning. In 1869, Mr. Carpenter sold 
out to the Warners and the name was changed to H. A. & A. H . Warner. 
A new factory was built in 1873. 

After the death of H. A. Warner in 1890, Henry D. Warner went 
into partnership with A. H. Warner, his father, since which time the 
name has been A. H. Warner & Company. The factor}' burning in 
1892, they rebuilt on ground formerly occupied by the business of H. A. 
Warner and J. H. Sessions and later by George Turner, now the site of 



420 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



the factory of Turner & Deegan. Later for three years the factory 
was in operation in Plainville but in 1900 was relocated in Bristol. 

In 1904, the building called "The Dial Shop" was bought of The 
E. Ingraham Company, and was moved to Federal Street and refitted. 
Lathes for both hand turnings and machine turnings are operated and 
a general line of small wood turnings is produced. Among the special- 
ties; are wood faucets, base ball bats, bicycle grips, turned work and 
other work for the electrical trade, bath tub seats, etc. Especial atten- 
tion is given to turnings in cocobola, rosewood, lignumvitae, mahogany, 
and boxwood. 




OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



421 



THE W. C. LADD COMPANY. 

W. C. Ladd, maker of cathedral gongs, cast iron nuts, lantern 
holders and light hardware, succeeded the late Harry W. Barnes, who, 
at the time of his death in 1889, was located on Laurel Street. 

Mr. Ladd built his present factory on Wallace Street in 1092. The 




first floor is used for manufacturing purposes, the stock room being 
in the basement. It is equipped with hydraulic elevator. The power 
is furnished by a gas engine. 



FISHERMAN'S (P)LUCK. 




A SAD TALE OF INTENT TI;NT LIFE 



I 



I belonR ro the West Hill Cluli, 
And fish 19 my favorite gri:b. 

Every year 1 ramp out. 

Antl cftich numberless trout. 
And bass, percb, pick'rel and chub 



nsRINl^^ PROORESSANC 

A liaif score yeare flRO 
1 sat nii^ down and ibought- 
A ^plen.li.l bnck hotel 



My piftii was Eood throughout. 
.Some bncka f bcucht— and then 
I kindei petered out iLuke U 



for 



iiy marked the place 
WUeio 1 did (huik to build. 
Briore I chaiiged my base. 
Hill lime flew CD. a«» time 
Will Hlwuy-! (Iv, you know. 
And by ai.il by I thoueht. 
'■Tbi3 ttiing had oughter go." 
More brinks I bought, and then 



I 8hoved 1 
And ue 
Hbd rot 



for Its fiiyle. 



hind 

And we kirk 

just as free 

W 



and bagpage we load oo the cars 
be woods to Bleep under the stars, 
and business we leave far be- 



up 



eteraus all, wearing each a i 
Bbirt— 
A "biled shirt" io camp would eliow 
much dirt- 
pine boughfl or even 

not very profoi 



The ^ 
Tbo 



veya 



i 
It 



les by J] 



The ^^ darts past in surprise thai 
Daring to venture so far from our home. 



« 



I belone to the West Hill Club, 
And Qsu is my favorite grub, 
Ooce a year I camp out, ^ 
And iiiUtnpt to 'catch trout,— 
Hut eatbullheadsland sunflshi and 
chub ! 

( Or canned beef!) 



Our ambition for fish is enormously great. 
And expect to catch naught less than live 

pounds in weight; 
We carry no scales for each fish has liisown. 
And we're sure ho'e full weight if he isn't 

half grown. 
Wo judge of the weight by the trouble 

we've lyid, 
8o every small minnow seems big as a shad: 



I ROl 




1 the typical Fisher r 

:>n the hilln. 
By the lakes and the 
And dig breakfast out of a 




e oft Kef, 



And we're huncry as hungry '■an lie; 
OurChirngo canned l^eef is a wond'-rl 

treat 
Wlicn we've fished all day long and ni: 
pomrthiDg to eat, 
For hunger aDd wc don't agree. 

I holing to the West Hill Cliil>, 
Uiit I'"'! Usiil.--laiiii:ilKrnli: 

rijLc:.!. I.a<» il 1 .1. 

WTlen 1 ca.iip in the w.i'.l. 
liul if Imiigry I'd cut laUun'mnl ruL 



A few yeirs it has stood 
An orn'roenl to the town. 
A splendid Brick Hotel— 




Oft in If 

But lately 'tain 
l!y K.-.-k Hotel 



r Brick Hotel 
n lov ed Isaac, 



1 ofTense. 
ce hotel 



And call it i 

No tempera 

'^all beidci 

With nve or niine, so long 

As I stay in this my hide. 

Aasuie's Beelzchub 

In Tophit lives, will 1 

Make this to*n sick -you'll si 

And iLat before t die 

I love my Bricl: Hotel, 
As Jacob lov ed I.saac, 
But, nevertheless, you'll ai 
I'm going to sacrifice It 

My Brick H.itcl ^lmll not 

Be run wilhout a bar. 

Where tliirsty men may lose 

I'll pull It down, 

MY beauteous Brick Holel; 

It's tvoifc than pulling teeth. 

Much worse than tongue can t 

1 love my Brick Hotel, 



The; 
And 



1 D.ivld 1 



' ed Is< 



edit! 



A home for bat and crow, 
For rat, and soako. ond load. 
I love my Brick Hotel. 
But sure I'll sacriace it, 
J-Jlpullirdov.^ A<,i^at^ 
As Abel murdered Isaac. 



^ 



TiiG pftl'5 now mr.*-n w-ll Hok 
With sadnew on ih^plac*. 
The cnt a requiem i^inc, 
With woflfuf, weeping face. 
Good by« to all my hopc-a. 
0(K>d bye my loved Hotel; 
S'our iioDCS and bricks wiiLn 
Uy he(»rt arc treasuved well 
1 lovo my Brick Hotel. 
1 hate lo&ttcnaceit. 
Rot lurfl, without n bar, 
1 odly should d^^pise it 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 423 



THE WEST HILL CLUB AND 
THE BRICK HOTEL. 



In the days when Mr. Charles H Riggs was editor of The Bristol 
Press, there occasionally appeared some original poems of local interest, 
written by the editor uniquely illustrated by the use of bits of type 
ornaments and little cuts. Two of these articles we reproduce with the 
accompanying explanatory data, which was kindly furnished by Editor 
Riggs. 

WEST HILL CLUB organized 1878; disbanded 1906. Membership 
as follows: 

George S. Hull, D. P. Pardee. Everett Horton, Hiram Wilcox, W.W. 
Thorpe, E. B. Dunbar, W. W. Dunbar, S. G. Monce, Thos. Barnes, 
George P. Barbour, G. H. Blakesley, H. C. Butler, Thomas T. Barbour, 
George W. Mitchell, H. B. Cook, A. J. Muzzy, H. W. Barnes, C. S. 
Treadway, William T. Smith, John J. Jennings, Lee Roberts, Charles 
A. Lane, Roger S. Newell. 

"THE BRICK HOTEL." 

The poem on "The Brick Hotel," or The Gridley House, was written 
by the editor and published in The Bristol Press in 1882. 

A few words of explanation are necessary to an understanding of 
the poem. In 1871, Henry W. Gridley moved from the corner of Main 
and North Main Streets a frame dwelling for the purpose of erecting on 
the site a hotel. But before the work was commenced Seymour's and 
Nott's blocks, opposite, were destroyed by fire, and L. G. Merick, who 
had occupied a store in Nott's building, rented the vacant corner and 
erected a shanty for his grocery business, to be used until Mr. Nott could 
rebuild. After he vacated the shanty, Mr. Gridley allowed it to re- 
main several years, renting it to different parties for various purposes. 
This shanty became popularly known as the "Brick Hotel." and was 
made the basis of a great deal of fun in the press and the community, as 
long as it was allowed to stand. Finally the owner bought a quantity 
of brick, preparatory to building, but just then the town gave a vote 
for no license, which so incensed Mr. Gridley that he sold his brick and 
allowed the shanty to remain a year or two longer. Finally in 1879, he 
concluded to carry out his design, and the Gridley House was built. 
He soon found a tenant and matters went along smoothly till 1882, 
when the town again voted no license, whereupon Mr. Gridley declared 
his intention of tearing down the hotel. This is what inspired the poem. 



424 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE N. L. BIRGE SONS CO. 

ONE of the old established industries of this city is the knitting 
works of the N. L. Birge Sons Co., manufacturers of men's 
fine knit underwear. This concern has long been an adjunct 
to the prosperity of the town, having been founded in 1850, 
when it was known as the "Bristol Knitting Company." After various 
changes, Mr. N. L. Birge became the sole proprietor and carried on the 
business until 1882, when he admitted his son, Mr. John Birge into co- 
partnership, under the style of N. L. Birge & Son. In 1893 his second 
son, Mr. George W. Birge, was also admitted into the firm. Their new 
mill is a model efficiency throughout and the equipment of machinery 
and appliances is of the latest improved description, including two 
thousand spindles, five sets of cards, seven mules, forty-two sewing 
machines and thirty-nine improved circular rib knitting machines, also 
winder, loopers, etc. A seventy-five horse power engine drives the 
machinery, which has a capacity of producing over one hundred dozen 




underwear daily, the mill affording steady employment to one hundred 
and twenty hands. The firm's goods ar,e much preferred by the trade, 
being of such superior quality and splenciidly finished. The New York 
office and salesrooms are located at No. 346 Broadway. Their goods 
are sold generally throughout the United States and stand today among 
the best in the market. Mr. N. L. Birge was a native of this city and 
was a director and vice president of the Bristol National Bank; was 
one of the original incorporators of the Bristol Savings Bank; and vice 
president of the Bristol Water Company. Mr. John Birge was also a 
native of this city, and was State senator from the fourth district. In 
the knit goods industry The N. L. Birge Sons Company have continued 
a prosperous career, the secret of their success being due to the manifest 
superiority of their products. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



425* 



MARSHALL I. SMITH. 

Die making and sheet metal stamping to order. This business 
was established in 1S9S by Ira B. Smith who conducted it until August 
1906, when it was sold to M. I. and R. M. Smith who formed a partner- 




ship under the firm name of The Ira B. Smith Company and was con- 
ducted by them until July 1, 1907, when Marshall I.' Smith became 
sole owner. 



The Second Plate 
the book devoted to 



of Co D Portraits will appear in the section of 
"Bristol Societies " 



426 



BRISTOL, CONNJKCTICUT 




1. Hardening Department. 2. Patent Department in Bristol Na- 
tional Bank Building. 3. Foundry. 4. Patent Department, General 
Office. 5. Office of Chief Patent Attorney. 6. Patent Department 
Office. 7. Office of President A. F. Rockwell. 8. Office of Treasurer 
C. T. Treadway. 9. Accounting Department. 10. Advertising and 
Purchasing Departments 11. Office of Secretary DeWitt Page. 12. 
Main Factory. 12, Printing Department. 14. Office of Superintendent 
15. Drafting Department. IG. Office of Outside Department and Lab- 
oratory. 17. Dipping Department. 18. Gas Plant, Interior. 19. 
Engine Room No, 1. l'O. Buffing Room. 21. Engine Room No. 2 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



427 



THE^NEWvDEPARTURE MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 

Through The Xew Departure Manufacturing Company, Bristol is 
known the wide world over. The New Departure coaster brakes and 
bicycle bells are sold and advertised in every large trade center on the 
globe. The company has offices in England, France, Germany and 
Denmark and its literature is printed in twelve or more languages. 
Whatever the language of the newspaper advertisement, circular or 
catalogue, the name of the company and its hoine town are in English, 
giving Bristol wider advertising than most American cities. 

This broad market has consumed millions of Bristol made coaster 
brakes. It is safe to assume, after the extensive advertising this product 
has had in more than thirty countries, that today the number of bicycle 
users who do not know of New Departures, is indeed few. 

The New Departure Manufacturing Company, while one of the 




BRANCH FACTORY AT WEISSENSER, BERLIN, GERMANY 

youngest of Bristol's principal manufactories, is the largest, employing 
at its Bristol and East Bristol factories, over six hundred hands and 
at its Gerinan factory, located at Weissensee (suburb of Berlin), over 
one hundred hands. 

Less than eighteen years ago, this Company began its existence in 
a room sixty feet square, in the north end of the old H. C. Thompson 
clock factory on Federal Street. At the busiest times of the year, 
six hands were employed. Today, should its plants be combined in a 
one-story building forty feet wide, that building would extend nearly 
a mile in length. 

The New Departure Bell Company was organized June 27, 1889, 
and incorporated with a capital of $50,000, for the manufacture of door, 
office and call bells, under patents taken out by Albert F. Rockwell, 
now president of the company. 

The mechanism of the bell gave "electrical results without a battery" 
and was a unique and distinctive invention. This fact suggested the 



428 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




1. Milling and Drilling Room, looking west, 2. Automatic Room- 
3. Car and Fire Bell Department, 4. Machine Room. 5. Rivet and 
Screw Department. 6. Milling and Drilling Room, looking east. 7. 
Shipping Room. 8. Ball Filling and Testing Department. 9. Assem- 
bling Room. 10. Bell Department Factory, East Bristol: 10. Dip- 
ping, Pickling and Tumbling Department. 12. Enameling Department. 
13. Grinding Room. 14. Cyclometer Department. 15. Ball Making 
Department. 16. Tool Room. 17. Press Room. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 4li9 

name of the company and throughout its career that name has heen an 
apt characterization of its product — things new and ingenious. 

Presently, a hne of bicycle bells was marketed, adapting the same 
mechanical principles as in the other bells. The business of the company 
increased rapidly and it was not long before people outside of Bristol 
were calling it the "Bell Town." The original quarters were inadequate 
and the company purchased what was then known as the Jones factory 
on North Main Street. This building is now the smallest of the score 
that comprise the New Departure plant. The company removed to 
this building in less than a year from its organization. 

The growth of the new industry was nothing short of marvelous. 
At one time, the product of the factory was ten thousand bells a day. 

The inanufacture and sale of bicycle lamps was also successfully 
undertaken and carried on for several years. This business was sold in 
1897 to the Joseph Lucas Sons Company of Birminghain, England, who 
continue the manufacture of the lamps at the present time. 

The year following the sale of the lamp business, the New Departure 
Company began the manufacture of New Departure coaster brakes, under 
patents of Albert F. Rockwell. The success of this manufacture has 
already been intimated. 

Several years ago, the branch factory in Germany was established 
and January 28, 1907, the plant and business of the Liberty Bell Company 
in East Bristol was purchased. This plant has been enlarged and is 
now the bell department of the company. 

In 1907 also, additional buildings were constructed at the main 
plant, principally the large four story steel construction building on 
Valley Street, for the manufacture of the New Departure "two-in-one" 
ball bearing. 

Until the first of last August, John H. Graham & Company of New 
York had been the selling agents of the company. On that date this 
arrangement was discontinued and the company now inarkets its product 
direct from the factory. 

The name of the company was changed .some years ago from that 
of the New Departure Bell Company to the New Departure Manufacturing 
Company. At the last session of the General Assembly, the company 
was authorized to increase its capital to $1,500,000. 

The present officers are: — President, Albert F. Rockwell; Vice 
President, George A. Graham of New York; Secretary, DeWitt Page; 
Treasurer, Charles T. Treadway. These, with Charles F. Pope and W. 
A. Grahain of New York, constitute the Board of Directors. 



430 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE WALLACE BARNES CO. 

The Wallace Barnes company is busy installing the machinery in 
the large factory addition just completed. The new building is a four 
story brick structure, 40x140 feet, of mill construction, and containing 
all of the latest equipment for heating, automatic sprinkling, etc. The 
new factory gives an additional floor space of 22,000 feet, increasing 
the floor space of the concern to 55,300 feet and supplying the neces- 
sary room for the rapidly increasing business. 

The whole of the new factory will be used for general manufactur- 
ing purposes. A large new hydraulic elevator is also being constructed 
on the south side of the new building. The first floor will be used as a 
press room and for other heavy work. The second floor will be util- 
ized chiefly for bench work and machinery. The third floor will be 
taken up by the machine and die room, while the lighter work will be 
done on the top floor. 

The factory is well lighted and sanitarily equipped throughout. 
A telephone system has been installed to facilitate the factory commun- 
ication. Upon each floor an officfe space has been set off by grill work 
for the foreman of the room. A two story brick and concrete building, 
25x25 feet, strictly fireproof, has been constructed for the die house. 




The machinery, tools and stock are being moved from the factory 
building on Main street to the new building, and the old building will 
be occupied by the office, shipping room, and for storage purposes. The 
present office room will be greatly increased. 

The Wallace Barnes company is this year celebrating its fiftieth 
anniversary. It was established in 1857 by Wallace Barnes. Shortly 
after he consolidated with E. L. Dunbar and the business was conducted 
Tinder the firm name of Dunbar and Barnes, but in 1866 Wallace Barnes 
purchased the interests of Mr. Dunbar and conducted the business till 
his death in 1893. For the next four years the business was conducted 
as the Wallace Barnes estate. In 1897 The Wallace Barnes Company 
■was incorporated and the business has increased and prospered under 
the management of Carlyle F. Barnes. During the past ten years the 
concern has increased its capacity and business from six to eight times 
its former size. 

The company is engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of small 
springs, made of sheet steel, flat or round wire of either brass or steel. 
The company has also taken up extensively the manufacture of small 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



431 



screw machine products, and drop forgings. There are 225 employees 
at work at the factory at the present time. 

The company gets its power from two steam engines and a generator 
which transmits power to motors which are placed upon each floor of 
the factory. The power plant is of 300 horse power capacity. 




M. H. BARNARD. 



White Rock Ice Cream has the reputation of being one of the purest 
and best Ice Creams on the market. We have one of the largest storage 
capacities of any concern in the state. We furnished the Sessions 
Foundry Co. with 4,100 individual boxes on July 10th, 1907, which was 
one of the largest orders ever filled in this State. 

This is also the home of the celebrated Barnard Cattle Stanchion. 
This stanchion is conceded by all who have used it to be the inost prac- 
tical cattle fastener on the market. All parts are made in the factory 
froni the raw material. 



432 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



GEORGE C. ARMS' MONUMENTAL WORKS. 

George C, Arms was born in Duxbury, Vt., March 2, 1827. He 
engaged in the marble and granite business in 1862 in Waterbury, Vt., 
with a branch shop in MontpeHer, he also dealt in mowing machines, 
lumber and furs, buying and selling several thousand dollars worth 
of the latter each year. In all he did a large and successful business. 

His many duties were wearing upon his health and in 1875, he 
sold his entire business. 

He was employed by Governor Proctor as traveling salesman, 
wholesaling marble, covering the middle and western states. He refused 
a very flattering salary and discontinued this business on account of 
the death of a son while he was away. In May, 1880, Mr. Arms started, 
the monumental business in Bristol and has succeeeded in building up 
a large trade, many monuments being shipped direct from the quarries 
to their destination. Being a man of sterling character and strict business 




integrity, he has won an enviable reputation among the business men 
of the State, as well as the respect and esteem of the citizens of Bristol. 

Mr. Arms has always striven to buy the most lasting material, 
furnishing the best of works, and selling at a inoderate profit. This is 
substantiated by the fact that for fifteen years, not a stone was erected 
in Bristol by outside parties, and during the twenty-seven years he has 
been in Bristol he has placed nearly every job in our cemeteries, agents 
and dealers being frank to admit they could not compete with his prices. 

He employs no agents, has never lost $100 during his business 
career of forty-five years and today, when nearly eighty-one years of age, 
can be found every day attending to his increasing business. His work, 
which is a standing advertisement can be seen in nearly every city and 
town in the State, as well as in New York City, Albany, Unadilla, N. Y., 
Springfield and many other Massachusetts towns, also Wisconsin, Florida, 
Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, etc. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



433 



Among the monuments illustrated in this book, erected by Mr. 
Arms are the Hull, Candee, Levitt, Sessions and others. 

Mr. Arms takes pride in telling of a number of expensive monuments 
which he has sold for one thousand to five thousand dollars each, when 
he was told to put up a monument from a certain design as large as he 
could for such a sum, no contract being required. 

Mr. Arms always does what he agrees to, consequently no dissatisfied 
customers. His son, Howard G. Arms, has been with him thirty-six 
years (excepting from 1894 to 1907) when he occupied the office of 
Chief-of- Police, resigning April 1, 1907, to assist his father. January 1, 
1907, Mr. Arms removed from his old location on North Main street 
to No. 15 Center street. 

Mr. Arms has always been active in church work, being for twenty- 
two years treasurer of the church and serving as superintendent of 
the Sunday School of the Advent Church for eighteen years. It has 
been the writer's privilege to know him thoroughly for many years, 
a consistent Christian seven days in the week. 




leaKld^Kb, -^if 



THE BLAKESLEY NOVELTY CO. 



The company was organized in 1887, for the manufactory of round 
arm bands, and the "easy" arm band was their first product and is 
today a great seller. In the inanufacture of arm bands this company 
is easily the recognized leader. 



434 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE IDEAL LAUNDRY. 

The laundry was started by Eli La Fabare, May 1, 1895, and for 
three years was operated under the name of "The Empire Steam Laun- 
dry." In 1898, the business was purchased by Card & Doudoin, who 
continued as proprietors until 1900, when the business was sold kto 
E. E. Hart. Mr. Hart removed to Pearl Street, occupying the present 
quarters in the Brick Factory Building, erected by Joel T. Case, for the 




ia»,v::>Jj?-v.:'-^:r 



manufacture of the "Case Engine." Mr. Hart conducted the business 
for five years, after which he leased the business for one year to Bennett 
& Clary of New Britain, who changed the name to "The Ideal Laundry" 
and Mr. W. G. Fenn managed the business for them. Deceinber 1, 1900, 
Mr. Fenn bought the business and has today one of the best cqui]ipcd 
laundry plants in the State. 



i 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



435 



THE GIDDINGS' CARRIAGE, FORGING AND SHOEING SHOP. 

The "Giddings" shop has for many years been a staid landmark 
on North Main Street. It was estabhshed in 1874, 33 years ago, by 
Watson Giddings, who came to Bristol from Terry ville where he had 
run a shop for three years, and had previously run a carriage siiop in 
Winsted for a term of years. The original shop building on North 
Main Street had a floor space of only 2,000 square feet, but by strict 
integrity, first-class work and honest dealing, the business has steadily 
increased, requiring additions being built on from time to time, having 
been enlarged no less than seven times, the plant now has a floor space 
of over 10,000 square feet, besides a two story storehouse on Foley 
Street of 2,400 square feet capacity. 

F. W. Giddings, his son and the present proprietor, was admitted 
into partnership in 1SS6, twenty-one years ago, and has been continually 
identified in the business since that date. By building wagons of good 
material only, and of first-class workmanship, they have established a 
reputation for the durability of their work that reaches far beyond 




the borders of the town, having built wagons and trucks for the Collins 
Company of CoUinsville, the Echo Farm Company, and others of Litch- 
field and for parties in Ansonia, Waterbury, South Manchester, New 
Britain, and many other surrounding towns, also some light work for 
parties in Rhode Island. In April, 1901, F. W. Giddings bought out 
his father's interest in the business and has successfullv conducted it 



In 1905 he erected the storehouse on Foley Street and last fall 
found it necessary to still further enlarge the shop building, and this 
spring has installed a power hammer to do the heavier forging, and 
has also added other improved machinery. The Giddings' shop is now 
by far the largest and best equiped wagon and forging shop in the 
State, outside of the larger cities. 

The painting department has been conducted by F. R. Mallory 
S: Son since 1S91, w^ho have built up a large and increasing trade in 
t liat line. 



436 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE FACTORY OF WILLIAM L. BARRETT. 

This business was established in 1893 in what was known as tha 
Root Shop at the corner of Main and School Streets, continuing there 
tintil the Root Estate went out of business in 1902, when quarters were 
secured in the Ira B. Smith factory on Parallel Street, remaining there 
until 1904, when the present factory was erected by Mr. Barrett. 




Fifteen hands are here employed in the manufacture of glass cutters, 
of which about twenty-five different patterns are made. These goods 
are widely known and find sale in every civilized country on the globe 




^ 






:i3 

< 
O 

o 

H 

2 
o 



438 



BRISTOL, COMNECTICUT 




The BRISTOL GUN CLUB. 



The Bristol Gun Club was organized July 25, 1887, at a meeting 
called for that purpose at the residence of A. Q. Perkins, who was elected 
its first President; H. J. Mills, Vice President, and G. W. Barnes, Sec- 
retary, being the other officers. The club took the place of two clubs 
previously existing, known as the North Side Club, and the South Side 
Club. In 1891, H. J. Mills was elected President, holding the office 
for a number of years. The present officers are: President, C. E. 
Kittell; Vice President, W. Moran; Secretary, J. Z. Douglass. The 
club house, below the Golf Links, was erected in 1890. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



439 




MR. NEWELL MOULTHROPE, CELEBRATED COON HUNTER. 




A MEMBER OF THE GUN CLUB AFIELD. 



440 



BRISTOL,- CONNECTICUT 




AT THE MOUTH OF THE OLD COPPER MINE. 



COPPER MINES IN BRISTOL. 



BY MILO LEON NORTON. 

IT WAS late in the eighteenth century that copper was discovered at 
a spring issuing from the southern end of a mountain, then known as 
Zach's mountain, from an Indian hunter who made it his hunting 
ground, by Theophilus Botsford, a farmer Hving east of the mine 
in a house occupied many years by the Gomme family. Attention was 
called to the matter by the green colored water issuing from the spring, 
also tinging the small brook flowing from it, and destroying the vege- 
tation along the banks. Beyond scraping away some of the soil and 
exposing rich indications of ore, Mr. Botsford did nothing to develop 
the mine, and was succeeded by Asa Hooker, who, about the year 1800, 
leased the land of the 'owner. Widow Sarah Yale, but did little work 
upon it, transferring his interest to Luke Gridley, a blacksmith, who 
lived in the Stafford District, near the site of the Boardman clock shop. 
Gridley worked the mine a few years, smelting some of the ore in his 
forge, but accomplishing little. 

The real history of the mine begins with the development of the 
rich deposit of ore, said to have been the richest in the world, by George 
W. Bartholomew, a resident of Edgewood, who, in 1836, drained the 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 441 

hole made by Gridley, opening a trench twenty feet long, ten wide and 
seventeen deep, revealing veins of variegated ore, ranging from sixty 
to eighty per cent, pure copper, and so rich that it had only to be trimmed 
with hammers to fit it for the smelting furnace. It was shipped in bags 
by canal to New Haven, whence it was sent to England to be smelted, 
and was a very profitable venture. Mr. Bartholomew organized, in 
1837, the Bristol Mine Company, consisting of Andrew Miller, Harvey 
Case, Erastus Case, Sylvester Woodward, and himself. Miller was a 
practical miner from New Jersey, who soon acquired a controlling inter- 
est, selling a half interest in the mine to English capitalists for $28,000. 
Business prospered until the death of Miller by drowning in the Tunxis 
river, which was the first of a series of inisfortunes that attended the 
subsequent working of the mine, eventually wrecking it. The original 
company failed in 1846, and the property passed into the hands of Rich- 
ard F. Blydenburg, of New York, to whom Abel Yale leased the lands 
of the mine, and also the water privilege where a dam was afterward 
erected to furnish power for the mafchinery of the mine, for the period 
of nine hundred and ninety-nine years. Blydenburg sold two thirds 
of his interest in the mine to H. Bradford, also of New York, for $61,849. 

To raise capital for extensively working the mine, tjie property 
was mortgaged to Dr. Eliphalet Nott, President of Union College, for 
$212,052. Blydenburg sold his third interest to Nott for $31,000, 
and he became the owner of the entire property. The mine was worked 
on a large scale, extensive drifts were made, large buildings erected, 
and ore of exceeding richness was taken out in vast quantities. Ex- 
travagance in management and expenditures soon exceeded the income 
from the mine, great as it was, and Dr. Nott got out of it finally, wiser, 
undoubtedly, but decidedly no richer for his mining experience. The 
property passed into the hands of John M. Woolsey, son of President 
Woolsey, of Yale College. Under the direction of Prof. Silliman, the 
inost extravagant schemes and experiments, of a costly nature, were 
indulged in, the Professor being a fiue theorist, but a very poor practical 
miner. Hundreds of thousands of dollars, from first to last, were poured 
into the mine, and, as the longest purse has a bottom, so in this case 
the bottom of the purse was reached, and the Bristol Mining Company, 
organized in 1855, became bankrupt in 1857, the year of the financial 
crash, although an income of $2,000 a month above necessary expenses 
was being received from the mine up to its closing. In 1858, Woolsey, 
having acquired the entire property by foreclosure of a mortgage, closed 
up the property, and for thirty years it remained idle. The extensive 
buildings, machinery, etc. were sold at what they would fetch, Colonel 
Dunbar purchasing the bell, which has never ceased to ring at nine 
o'clock since it was installed in his factory; the engine was placed in 
George Jones' clock shop, now the old building of the New Departure 
Co. ; and the conical hopper, in which the crushed rock was placed to 
be ground still finer before separating, was removed to his farm in East 
Bristol by Lemuel Hollister, who utilized it, inverted, as the roof of an 
out-building, where it still stands. Some of the smaller buildings were 
moved away, and converted into dwelling houses; and the lumber of 
the large buildings was utilized by neighboring farmers for enlarging 
or repairing their farm buildings. 

In 1888, the attention of Burton S. Cowles, who was then foreman 
in the box factory of Rev. B. Hitchcock, was called to the large quan- 
tity of crushed rock, from the workings of the mine, and, from which 
not all of the copper had been extracted; and, being something of an 
amateur chemist, he experimented with the sand, extracting the metal 
by means of acid, depositing it upon scrap iron, from which it could 
be removed in a pure state. Mr. Cowles succeeded in interesting E. G. 
Hubbell of Pittsfield, Mass., who entered into the project, securing the 
co-operation of other capitalists, when the control of the mine and the 
lands connected with it, passed into their possession. The Bristol 
Copper and Silver Mining Co., was organized at Albany, with a capital 



442 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



of $500,000. The separation of the metal still remaining in the tailings 
of the old workings not proving practicable, the new company pumped 
out the old Williams' shaft, 240 feet in depth, and explored the old 
workings in every direction. New drifts were excavated, new shafts 
sunk, and the Williams' shaft sunk to a depth of 400 feet. The rich 
deposits of ore looked for did not apjjcar, however, although immense 
quantities of low-grade ore were found. Much of this was hoisted to 
the surface, and crushed by the* expensive machinery installed, of the 
most modern and approved construction. 

In 1893, Col. Walter Cutting foreclosed the mortgage he held for 
money advanced, and acquired the title, in whose estate the title now 
remains. In 1895, becoming disgusted at the outlay of money, and 
the meager returns, owing partly to the low price of copper that pre- 
vailed, Col. Cutting closed the mine, which soon filled with water. The 
expensive machinery is rusting in the great buildings put up by the 
company, and the hoodoo which has attended the working of the mine 
frorn the first, seems to have succeeded at last in wrecking the fine prop- 
erty, which no doubt contains valuable ore, sufficient to pay good re- 
turns on the money invested, if practically and capably administered. 
The chapter of calamities that befell the mine property was fittingly 
closed in 1896, when, following a heavy downpour of rain, the waste 
weir of the great dam of the mine pond became clogged with ice, causing 
the dam to give way, precipitating a disastrous flood down the stream, 
washing away every bridge between there and Forestville, and wrecking 
a freight train on the railroad, by undermining the roadway. The 
privilege has since been procured by the municipality of New Britain, 
together with the water shed above, as an auxiliary supply to the city 
water works. 




LAKE AVENUE CEMETERY, 

The original plot of ground was deeded to the town of Bristol by Ezra Norton in 1841. 

Additional portions were added by his son in 1872. Restoration and 

improvements begun in 1899. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



443 




REV. GEORGE E. TYLER. 



HISTORY OF THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN 
CHURCH. 



The Advent Christian Church of Bristol, Conn., was organized 
on the 24th of February, 1858, with the following charter membership: 
Luther L. Tuttle, Henry L. Bradley, William O. Hough, John H. Sut- 
cliff, George L. White, John W. Whiting and Edmond Tompkins. This 
number was materially increased by the addition of many new mem- 
bers during the months following. 

For several years the public services of the society were held in 
various halls near the center of the town, and it was not until the year 
1880 that a church building was occupied. In that year as the old 
Methodist Church at the North Side had been vacated the Adventists 
leased the building and continued to occupy it until it was totally des- 
troyed by fire on the 5th of October, 1890. Steps were taken at once 
to build a new church on the same site which had now become the prop- 
erty of the Adventist people. The present building was dedicated with 
appropriate services on July 1, 1891. 

Quite a heavy mortgage rested upon the property at the time of 
its dedication, but this has all been paid, important additions also have 
since been made and paid for, and besides the church has a permanent 
endowment fund of $2,000, the interest of which is applied to the current 
expenses. 



444 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




INTERIOR VIEW— SUNIJAY SCHOOL IN SESSION. 



Since the organization the following clergymen have served as 
pastor of the church: Rev. Ralph Williams, 1860-62, Rev. Benajah 
Hitchcock, 1867-75, Rev. A. A. Hoyt, 1879-80, Rev. H. H. Tucker, 
1880-83, Rev. J. C. St. John, 1884-88, Rev. George M. Tuple, 1889-91, 
Rev. J. C. St. John, 1891-93, Rev. L. F. Baker, April, 1894-July, 1894, 
Rev. William Gibb, Dec, 1894-July, 1897, Rev. George E. Tyler, March, 
1898 to the present. 

The membership of the church is about 175 and of the Sunday 
School about 125. The Young People's Society of Loyal Workers 
numbers 60. And there is also a Mission Society which is doing good 
work. The church is a mission church and has given large sums of 
money each year for home and foreign missions. 

Three young yeople from the church have (in 1907) volunteered 
to go as missionaries to China and are training and preparing for the 
foreign field. 

It is a principle with the church to raise all moneys for religious 
purposes by free will offerings and voluntary gifts. All expenses are 
met in this way. The pews are all free and strangers are welcomed 
to all services. 

The present pastor, Rev. George E. Tyler, is now serving his tenth 
year as pastor and this is his third pastorate, the other two having been 
in Sturbridge, Mass. and Hartford. He is president of the United 
Loyal Workers of Connecticut, also President of the American Advent 
Mission Society whose headquarters are at Boston. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE 



445 




ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH WEST STREET. 




THE PRUDENTIAL IXvSURANCE COMPANY. Elton Photo. 

The Prudential Insurance Company of Newark, New Jersey, opened 
a branch office at No. 13 Prospect Street, in 1899. December 8th, 1902, 
Niels Nissen came here from Hartford, Conn., to take charge of the 
office and \he agency has grown, under his management, so that he 
has an agency force of seven men and a stenographer. 

The above is a photograph of Assistant Superintendent N. Nissee 
and his stafif of agents working under him in April 1907. 



4-46 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



^enealoaical Section, 



WING to the limited space in a work like this 
we have been obliged to mention only a few 
of the prominent people of the past, who have 
been citizens of the town. These biographies 
have been written with much painstaking care, 
and with the utmost impartiality, and it has been thought 
best to make no attempt to arrange them in chronological 
order. This section of the work has been under the supervis- 
ion of Mr. Milo Leon Norton, and the information given may 
be depended upon as being as correct as it is possible to 
make it. 




J 



OR MKW CAMBRIDGE. 



447 





EPHRAIM DOWNS. 



FRANKLIN DOWNS. 



DOWNS (OR DOWNES) FAMILY. 

Ephraini Downs, one of Bristol's first clock makers, born in Wil- 
braham, Massachusetts, 1787, was son of David Downs and Mary Chatter- 
ton. His father was a soldier of the American Revolution. He was 
descended in several lines, from first New England settlers, and in six 
or more from original settlers of New Haven. The earliest of the name 
here was John, of New Haven, 1646 (of the same family as John Downs 
the regicide, who signed the death warrant of Charles I). 

Ephraim began clock making in Waterbury, Connecticut, 1811. 

In 1822 he married Chloe (spelled Cloe on her old sampler) Painter 
(daughter of Thomas Painter, revolutionary soldier) and settled at 
Hoadleyville, now Greystone, with Seth Thomas, Eli Terry and his 
brother-in-law, Silas Hoadley. He began the clock business for himself 
here, but in 1825 removed to Bristol, bought the property now known 
as "Downs' Mill," of George Mitchell, "paying half cash, and balance 
in wood clock-works, three dollars each" — his own make. The grist 
mill he rented on shares, "one half toll" being his own share. 

From the old shop across the stream Ephraim Downs' Yankee 
clocks went to New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Missouri, 
Louisiana, Mississippi and elsewhere. An old letter states that clocks 
shipped to "Washington City," D. C, May 21, 1824 were received there 
June 17. These undoubtedly went by sailboat from New Haven. The 
"looking-glass" clock was a favorite. "Carved" and "bronzed" cases 
with "square" or "scroll" top were good sellers. One bill, 1831, gives an 
"alarm" eight dollars. Many are still in existence — fine examples of 
Bristol's great industry in its infancy. 

In Ephraim Downs' day, notes were given almost entirely in settle- 
ment of accounts, but it is said that his name was never upon a note, 
except as endorsed for collection; and to this may be attributed the 



448 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

fact, that, of all the Bristol clock makers, he alone neither failed nor 
made assignment in the "hard times" of 1837. 

In 1842-3 he retired from business owing to failing health. He was 
representative and first selectman, being a Jeffersonian democrat in 
politics. He was a prominent Mason and church worker. He died in 
1860 at the homestead on Downes street, bought when he first reinoved 
from Plymouth. His children were Rosetta, Franklin, George, Robert, 
Adeline, Adelaide and Helen, none now living 

Franklin Downs was born June 12, 1824, at Hoadleyville, now 
Greystone, from whence his father Ephraim Downs, one of our pioneer 
clock-makers, caine to Bristol, about 1825. He worked at clock-making 
for a time with his father, but afterward became a miller and dealer in 
grain. Downs' mill being one of the most widely known stands in this 
section. He was also interested in the finn known as the Bone & Ivorv^ 
Manufacturing Co., situated 'on the site of the original Downs' clock 
shop. He married Emeline M. Upson of old colonial and revolutionary 
ancestry, in Waterbury, in 1844. Their children were: Ella A., married 
Dr. Charles R. Upson; Florence E., married Sen. Adrian J. Muzzy; 
Fannie A., married Thomas F. Barbour; Frank Ephraim, married Mary 
Annetta Sprague; Mabel G., married Reese McCloskey. Their grand- 
children numbered eight; living, Marguerite Barbour, Adrienne Muzzy 
Downs, Jean and Gail McCloskey. Franklin Downs died August 24, 
1898. 



RANSOM MALLORY. 

One of the prominent business men of Bristol, of a generation ago, 
who helped to build the foundations upon which the prosperity of Bristol 
rests, was Ransom Mallory, a man of sterling integrity, quiet and un- 
ostentatious in his manner, a consistent Christian, and a valued citizen. 

Peter Mallory, the first of the family in Connecticut, came from 
England to New Haven, where he joined the infant colony, and signed 
the Planter's Covenant in 1644. To him and his wife who came from 
England with him, were born twelve children, all of whom settled in 
New Haven and vicinity. Ransom was of the sixth generation, of the 
line of Thomas, second son of Peter, and was the son of David Mallorj', 
a revolutionary soldier, who was with Washington when he crossed 
the Delaware, and who served through the war, undergoing the severest 
hardships unflinchingly, with a sublime confidence in the righteousness 
of the colonial cause. Ransom was born in Oxford, Conn., December 
25, 1792. May 15, 1814, he married Lucy Candee, of Oxford, who was 
born September 26, 1790. 

He learned his trade as carpenter and cabinet maker, in Oxford, 
serving seven years, as was the requirement at that time. During his 
apprenticeship he was employed on two different occasions vipon the 
capitol, at Richmond, Virginia. He came to Bristol in 1821, and brought 
his family here the following year, living in the house then owned by 
Col. Botsford, afterward owned by Samuel Terry, and now owned by 
Frank Terry. His first work in Bristol was clock-case making, at a 
private house, since known as the Alfred Way place, on South Strefet. 
He was a contractor at the Jerome clock shop, for some years, and, while 
there, built the house which stood on the site of the Masonic building, 
and which was recently torn down to make room for the new bank at 
Muzzy's corner. It will be remembered as the Lord Hills place. He 
left the Jeromes to form a partnership with John Birge, under the firm 
name of Birge & Mallory, for the manufacture of clocks. Sheldon 
Lewis, Thomas Fuller and Ambrose Peck were also interested in the 
business. The shop stood on Riverside Avenue, near the factories for- 
merly owned by Welch, Spring & Co., later by the Codling Manufacturing 
Company. 

This was previous to 1837, for, while the hard times of 1837 caused 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 449 







RANSOM MALLORY. 

many failures, Birge & Mallory were able to continue their business 
uninterruptedly through the whole disastrous period, paying their 
indebtedness in full, notwithstanding the fact that their agent in the 
West had taken many deeds for land in payment for clocks, and most 
of these were spurious, resulting in an almost total loss to the manu- 
facturers. Mr. Mallory continued in this firm until its dissolution. He 
bought the house now occupied as a parsonage by the Congregational 
Society, of Samuel B. Smith, in 1838. At this house he passed away, 
January 10, 1853. 

Mr Mallory was a member of the Congregational Church, and was a 
man universally esteemed. In a letter to his daughter, Mrs. Catherine C. 
Hayden, recently removed to New York, Dr. Levi Barnes, of Oxford, 
who once taught in the academy on Federal Hill, wrote of Mr. Mallory 
as follows: "He was, as I remember him, a man universally esteemed, 
of great force of character, energetic in business, honest, and a staunch, 
quiet Christian man, upholding all good, including religion, education, 
and everything promotive of the public welfare. But no one could 
write a biographical sketch of your father better than a loving daughter, 
and then the half has not been told." 

From Mrs. Hayden, now in her eighty-second year, these data con- 
cerning Mr. Mallory were received, necessarily condensed on account 
of limited space. 



450 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




DEACON BRYAN HOOKER.* 

Deacon Bryan Hooker was a descendant of the fifth generation 
from Rev. Thomas Hooker, one of the founders of Hartford, the Hne of 
descent being through Samuel, John, Hezekiah and Asahel of Woodbury. 
xAsahel Hooker married Anne Parmeley and their third son Bryan, was 
born in Woodbury, August 15, 1764 and died in Bristol, July 22, 1826. 
He is buried in the North Cemetery. 

Mr. Hooker came to Bristol in early life and established one of 
the first woolen manufacturies in the state. His fulling mill was long 
known as the old yellow shop, near the bridge on the corner of East 
and South Streets. It was destroyed by fire in 1903. 

Mr. Hooker first married Lydia Lewis, October 7, 1790, daughter 
of Eh Lewis of Bristol. She died without children April 20, 1804. at 
the age of thirty-nine. On October 7, 1804, he married the widow 
Nancy Lee Fuller, daughter of William and Elizabeth Gilbert Lee of 
Bristol. Mrs. Fuller had two children, the eldest daughter, Rhoda, 
married Samuel Augustus Mitchell, publisher of geographies; their 
descendants are now living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The son 
Thomas Franklin, married Lucy Winston, and always lived in Bristol. 
He built the Saw Shop on Riverside Avenue for the manufacture of tinder 
boxes and curry combs. His daughter, Mrs. Mary Martin, and his grand- 
children Mr. Carlyle F. Barnes and Mrs. Wyllys Ladd are at present well 
known residents of Bristol. 

Mr. Hooker was a man of mark and influence both in church and 
state and filled many offices of trust. The town records tell us that 
he took the Freeman's oath in September, 1796. In 1806 and again 
from 1811 to 1820 we find continuously as the second item of business 
at the town meeting, the note "Voted and chose Bryan Hooker, Esq., 
Town Clerk for the year ensuing." When he was not Town Clerk he 
was often Moderator of the meeting. 

He represented the town at the General Assembly in 1812, 1S13, 
1814, 1817, and on July 4th, 1818 was appointed "a delegate to meet 
in convention in Hartford on the fourth Wednesday' of August next, 



♦This sketch was prepared by Miss Clara Lee Bowman. The likeness shown of Deacon 
Hooker was taken from a colored minatvtre in tne possession of Miss Bowman. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 451 

for the purpose of framing a Constitution of Civil Government for 
the people of the state." 

In the records of this Constitutional Convention, we find Bryan 
Hooker always voting on the extremely conservative side and his report 
to his fellow citizens could not have been very favorable, as we find 
that "one hundred and five voted against the approbation and ratifi- 
cation of the Constitution of Civil Government framed for the people 
of the State by the said Convention, and ninety-five voted for its ap- 
probation and ratification." 

He was chairman of many important committees such as the In- 
spection of Bridges and Highways, and appointed to make a draught 
of laws to prevent hogs, sheep, geese, turkeys, etc., going at large. He 
served several times as Selectman and was often on the Board of Relief. 
He filled the office of Justice of the Peace for some years and often held 
court in the large living room of his home on East Street. 

He united with the Congregational Church, September 29, 1799, 
under the preaching of the Rev. Giles Cowles, a year in the church his- 
tory "long to be remembered." Mr. Hooker immediately took an active 
part in church work and in 1801 he was elected deacon which position 
he held until his death in 1826. A rounded out quarter century of 
earnest Christian life. We find in the church records that he was often 
moderator in cases of discipline brought before the church, especially 
of Sabbath breaking, and his own views were so strict that he would 
stop people driving by his house on Sunday, in order to ask them who 
was sick and if they were going for the doctor. 

His interest and sympathy for the poor and unfortunate were un- 
bounded. As has been noted he frequently served on the Board of the 
poor relief and his private charities were numerous. 

Mr. Hooker's first recorded purchase of land in Bristol was Sep- 
tember 22, 1791, but on April 16, 1793, he bought from Reuben Thomp- 
son the fulling mill on East Street near the river and half of the little 
gambled roofed red house near by, which was his first home here. It 
has long given place to factories and store houses, but at the same time 
he brought ten acres of land on the opposite side of the street upon which 
he built his house on East Street in 1811, which is still occupied by 
his descendants of the fourth generation. 

A carefully itemized bill of expense for the building of this house 
was found among his papers and may be interesting as a comparison 
of prices and orthography of the present day. 

Bill of expense for building my house done in the year 1811: 

Brick 1100 at $8.34 

Pine boards 12 000 feet 

transporting the same 

Shingles 16 500 

transporting the same 

Ruff boards 2 000 feet at 75 cents 

Flour boards for the wood house and garret 

other flour boards 

Lath boards 5 000 feet at 67 cents 

Lining boards 2 000 feet at 62 cents 

Petition plank 1 200 feet at 1.60 

Joiner bills 

Daily & Churchels bill 

Miles Lewis about 25 cotton bails 5 

Glas 48 dollars 

200 lb. cut nails 

75 lb. raut nails at 12 

Brads 

12 bbs. double tins 

Mantletrys and Jams at Farmington 



.230. 


,00 


91. 


74 


130. 




66. 




49. 


50 


8. 




15. 




12. 


75 


55. 


00 


33. 


50 


12. 


40 


20. 




363. 




75. 


84 


30. 




48. 




22. 


92 


9. 


37 


5. 




1. 


50 


9. 





452 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Expense of cellar of the mason's bill 100. 

Shingle nails 20. 

4 casks Canan lime. 20. 

8 casks lime 30. 

Masons bill for plastering 36. 

Making inorter and tending mason 40. 

Door hangers etc. 20. 

Iron barrs for mantletrees 2. 

Oil for painting 36 gallons 36. 

White led 225 bb white led 37. 

other paint about 8. 

Johnsons bill for painting 21. 50 

Painting the inside paid the Rands & Co. 20. 

House sink. 7. 

Expense of raising 25. 

My own time $50 50. 

Board 156 dollars 156. 

Rum and brandy 20. 

1947.00 

Contingent expenses not recorded above 53. 



$2000.00 



The farm which surrounded the old homestead, was a large one 
reaching from the river to the top of the hill and extending as far west 
as Main Street, which was not laid out until 1827, the year after his 
death. The farm was first cut into by the laying out of the road now 
Riverside Avenue and later by the railroad. He apparently bought 
land very extensively as his name appears twenty-one times on the 
record between 1791 and 1813, and after his death his estate figures 
as frequently in selling it off. 

For those days Mr. Hooker was a prosperous man, but his modesty 
and humility were strong traits, of character and his daily morning 
prayer alwavs included the petition, "May we carry the cup of prosperity 
with a steady hand;" and another phrase long remembered by his chil- 
dren was "may we use this world as not abusing it, remembering that 
the fashion thereof passeth away." 

The fulling mill required many hands and the apprentices all boarded 
at Mr. Hooker's house. Some of Bristol's prominent men were num- 
bered among them. He always felt a responsibility for their spiritual 
as well as physical welfare, and would not allow any of them to read 
the writings of Thomas Payne while they w^ere inembers of his family. 
He died at the age of sixty-two, lamented, revered and respected, a 
worthy representative of his name and generation. He left three chil- 
dren, Lydia, Lewis named for his first wife. She married Cyrus Porter 
Smith and moved to Brooklyn, New York, where her descendants are 
still living. Nancy, who married William Hill of Troy, New York, but 
who was a son of Gains and Mary Wheeler Hill, of Chippin's Hill in 
this town. He lived but a few years and Mrs. Hill returned to the old 
homestead for the remainder of her long life. She died May 2(), 1902, 
at the age of ninety-three. Her daughter, Mrs. George R. Bowman 
and granddaughter. Miss Clara Lee Bowman, still live in the old house 
at 60 East Street. 

Mr. Hooker's only son, Brj^an Edward Hooker, was for many years 
a resident of Hartford and deacon in the Center Church, where a ine- 
morial window has been placed to his memory. His son, Edward Wil- 
liams Hooker, at present Hartford's representative in the Legislature, 
Thomas Williams Hooker, and a grandson, Joseph Hooker Woodward, 
are all well-known and influential men in the Hartford of today. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 453 

ELDER SAMUEL C. HANCOCK. 

Samuel Cooley Hancock, widely known as "The Blind Preacher," 
and who was for many years a resident of Stafford District, was born 
at East Hartford, September 16, 1828. When about four weeks old he 
became nearly blind from inflammation of the eyes. At the age of nine 
years he was sent to the Perkins Institution for the Blind, at Boston, 
where he remained five years, receiving a thorough education in the 
ordinary English branches, and in music, in which he was an adept, both 
in instrumental and vocal music. After leaving the Institution, he 
resided at Meriden for some years, playing the organ of the Episcopal 
church, and teaching music. In 1851 he contracted the smallpox at 
Hartford, which resulted in the total loss of his sight, as, previous to 
that, he had been able to discern light, and plain colors. For several 
years afterward he was engaged in the sale of memorandum books and 
diaries, with a boy to lead him, visiting many towns in this and ad- 
joining states. He was married to Susan D. Sims of Westerly, R. I., 
November 27, 1853, and resided, for a short time afterward at Farm- 
ington. He then purchased a small place two miles north of Forest- 
ville, where he resided up to the time of his death. 

Mr. Hancock early united with the Methodist Episcopal church, 
of Meriden, but became convinced of the truth of the Advent doctrines, 
also of the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. At a conference 
of the Advent denomination, held at Providence, R. I., December 1860, 




he was ordained a preacher of that faith. During the remainder of his 
life he traveled extensively throughout New England and the Provinces, 
preaching the Gospel, sometimes laboring for months in a place, but 
more frequently journeying from place to place, as an Evangelist and 
vocalist. He was a composer of fine piano and vocal music, some of 
his hymns finding a place in the regular hymnals of the denomination 
After his death his devotional songs were compiled in book form and 
sold for the benefit of his widow, by Milo Leon Norton. They are now 
out of print. Mr. Hancock died at Springfield, Mass., August 23, 1874, 
in the 46th year of his age. He had but one child, Florence Eliza, who 
died in 1862. His widow survived him onlv a few years. 



454 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




RODNEY BARNES. 

Rodney Barnes was born in Burlington in 1818, of old colonial 
stock, in a house which stood near Monce's trout pond. His father 
was Sherman Barnes, who was an American soldier in the war of 1812. 
His mother was Miss Luanna Smith, daughter of Gideon Smith, and 
Rodney Barnes' parents lived for many years at the Milo Schriver place 
in Whigville. Here it was that Mr. Barnes spent his boyhood days 
except when living out with farmers of Burlington and other towns. 
As his father was a most versatile mechanic, being a millwright and 
machinest, it was not strange that the son would also have mechanical 
ability, and at the age of 18 years, Mr. Barnes entered the employ of 
Elisha Manross, who conducted a small shop near where the Laporte 
Hubbell brick factory now stands. In 1848 he was active in the forma- 
tion of a company to manufacture marine clocks, the movement of 
which was a product of his brother's idea, Bainbridge Barnes. In 
company with Ebenezer Hendrick, Daniel Clark, Laporte Hubbell and 
his brother Bainbridge, Mr. Barnes succeeded in promoting the com- 
pany which for many years continued in the clock industry. After- 
wards Mr. Barnes sold out his interest to Messrs. Hubbell and Beach. 

On February 27, 1842, Mr. Barnes was married to Miss Roxana 
Horton, an estimable daughter of Jared Horton of Wallingford. Of 
the eight children who blessed this union only two are now alive, Watson 
E. Barnes of Forestville and Roland D. Barnes of Bristol. Mr. and 
Mrs. Barnes celebrated their golden wedding in 1892 and congratula- 
tions were received from all the townspeople who realized that Mr. 
Barnes was one of those instrumental in building up Forestville. 

After disposing of his interest in the clock industry, Mr. Barnes 
entered the real estate business for the purpose of developing and build- 
ing up Forestville which in the days gone by was in many localities noth- 
ing but a forest of white burches. His energy and foresight was eventu- 
ally rewarded as under his leadership houses sprang up in what was 
then considered isolated sections, and today in almost anj'^ part of Forest- 
ville houses can be pointed out that were built under the supervision 
of Mr. Barnes. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



455 



As the years grew on apace, Mr. Barnes was looked upon as an 
authority upon local history and genealogical matter. His fine reten- 
tive memory and cheerful consideration of the rights of others gained 
him the friendship of the citizens at large, and his death at the age of 
80 years and eight months was deeply deplored. Although always 
prominent in town affairs Mr. Barnes refused to accept any pubic office 
except in 1873 and 1875 when he served on the board of selectmen. 

After coming to Forest ville in 1836, he, with the exception of one 
year, 1839, spent sixty three years of his life in Forestville, which he 
saw grow and expand from a few settlement houses to a commodious 
prosperous community. 




EDWARD PRINDLE WOODWARD. 

Edward Prindle Woodward, son of Asa C. Woodward, M. D., and 
Amanda Warner Woodward was born on February 5, 1837 in Litch- 
field, Conn., where his father was at the time a practicing physician. 
He first attended lectures in the Boston University School of Medicine, 
but completed his medical studies at the Yale Medical School. After 
graduating in 1860, he began practice in Cheshire, Conn., but a few years 
later removed to Bethany, where his father was then practicing. In 
the spring of 1868 he settled in Bristol, and there he gained the esteem 
and confidence of all classes, and for over thirty years had a large practice. 

Upon the organization of Bristol as a borough in 1893, Dr. Wood- 
ward was elected the first warden and reelected the next year. This 
shows the esteem in which he was held, as he had not approved the 
change in form of government. 

Dr. Woodward was a member of several lodges. Odd Fellows, Masons, 
Commandery and Shrine of Mystic Temple. 

In the fall of 1900 he suffered a stroke of paralysis, but at length 
rallied sufficiently to be about the streets. He died at the home of his 
daughter, the wife of Dr. B. B. Robbins in Bristol, on March 19, 1904, 
at the age of 67 years. 

He was a member of the Protestant Episcopal church. Burial was 
at Bethanv in the familv lot. 



456 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




HERBERT N. GALE. 

A native of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where he was born April 2, 1859. 
When ten years of age he came here with his parents, Daniel and Lucy A. 
Gale, and attended the public schools. At the age of eighteen he took 
up the work of mechanical drafting, being employed at the office of 
James Shepard, Patent Solicitor, at New Britain. While there he 
learned the process of inaking blue-prints of drawings, which suggested 
to him the taking of photographs, which he took up, being self-taught, 
his first work being the making of stereoscopic views of local scenery, 
in partnership with W. H. Wright. From scenic photography, he 
took up portrait work, and, in 1878, in company with Elias Burwell, 
he opened a studio built for the purpose, on Main Street, just north of 
the present Masonic Temple. In two years he had prospered sufficiently 
to be able to buy out his partner, and became the leading photographer 
of the town. 

Being an inventor, he introduced several improvements in the 
inounting of photographs, the Gale Glass Mount being a popular and 
profitable device. His death was hastened by an accident while taking 
a flash light picture of the employees of A. J. Muzzy & Co., on the evening 
of September 'SO, 1902. He was using a new flash lamp, which he was 
holding in one hand while preparing to flash it by blowing through a 
tube. W. E. Throop was operating the camera. In some inanner the 
lamp exploded with tremendous force, shattering his hand so that the 
flesh hung in shreds. He was taken at once to the office of Doctor Gris- 
wold, where the hand was amputated above the wrist by Dr. Demarais, 
assisted by Dr. Robbins. He received other injuries of a less serious 
nature. The wounds were healing, and it was thought that he would 
recover, but Bright's disease set in and he died, October 21, 1902. The 
picture taken at the time was developed, and is presented herewith. 

Mr. Gale was an inventor of much ability, some of his inventions 
proving useful and their manufacture profitable. Among the number, 
were the following: A trolley fork for electric tramways; a bicycle 
bell; a compact stationary engine, something after the model of the 
Case engine and a band-saw joint. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



457 




IT WAS IN TAKING THIS PHOTOGRAPH THAT MR. GALE RECEIVED THE 
INJURIES THAT LATER RESULTED IN HIS DEATH. 

While very young, about fifteen years of age, wnth the assistance 
of Horace Cainpbell, a lad of about his own age, he built a working 
miniature locomotive and tender, which w'as a model of perfection in 
workmanship, and attracted much attention wherever exhibited. He 
purchased the second autoinobile owned in Bristol, a steam-driven car, 
in which he took much interest. 

His wife was Lola M. Whitinan, who survives him. His sister is 
the wife of Ex-Chief of Police, Howard G. Arms. The business has 
been continued by W. E. Throop the present proprietor, who, when 
compelled to move out of the original studio to inake room for a new 
building, fitted up another in the second story of the Muzzy building, 
which was afterward moved across the street to make room for the 
new building of the Bristol Trust Company. It is equipped with all 
the modern improvements for taking portraits by night or by da}'. 



EDWARD INGRAHAM. 

Entered into partnershiji with his father in the clock business in 
1859, and conducted the increasing business of the company until his 
death in 1892, with the assistance of his sons, who have increased the 
business and enlarged the plant materially since his death. A public- 
spirited man, genial and companionable, and one of the most potent 
agencies in developing Bristol's phenomenal prosperity, his death was 
greatly lamented by the entire co7nmunity. The great jjlant of The 
E. Ingraham Co., is the most fitting monument that could be reared 
to his memory, for it sjjeaks in unmistakable tones of his genius and 
business ability that developed from small beginnings so gigantic an 
enterprise. 



458 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




EDWARD INGRAHAM. 




LESTER GOODENOUGH. 

Was born in Burlington, September 18, 1820. He worked for a 
time at clock-making in Whigville, and then came to Bristol, in 1837, 
working for Chauncey Boardman, and afterward forming a partner- 
ship with Asahel Hooker, in the brass foundry business, which Mr. 
Goodenough continued after the death of his partner, in 1865. Mr. 
Goodenough died December 26, 1898. He was never an office seeker 
though he held several positions of trust, and was a quiet, reliable citizen 
and business man, a model of integrity, and respected by all his towns- 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 459 

FILBERT LEANDER WRIGHT. 

Filbert Leander Wright was born in Southington, November 18, 
1816. When a small boy he rode horse on the tow path of the raging 
canal, to New Haven. He was the son of Harvey Wright, who was a 
descendant of James Wright, of Milford, of English ancestry, whose 
son Joseph was born in Durham, November 1, 1713; his son Joseph, 
Jr., was also born in Durham, May 6, 1744, whose son Harvey, was one 
of the pioneers of clock making in Bristol. He married Esther Crissey, 
descendant in the sixth generation, from Rev. John Davenport, founder 
of the Colony of New Haven, Harvey Wright was a manufacturer 
of the olden-time wooden clock movements, the few tools at his command 
consisting of a good jack-knife, a file, a foot-lathe, and possibly a fiddle- 
bow drill; occupying a little shop which stood on the river bank near 




the present Main Street bridge. Competition reduced the price of 
clocks to that extent that he abandoned the enterprise and moved his 
shop farther down the river, where it became the property of the Codling 
Manufacturing Co., now in the possession of the Sessions Co. There 
he carried on a wood-turning business for several years. The same 
pond is still there, and the willows on the south embankment were 
whips which Filbert Leander Wright picked and planted there in sport. 
Filbert Leander Wright was married to Sabrina H. Merrill, of 
Nepaug, December 31, 1849. They had three children: Frank Merrill, 
born July 30, 1854, died November 12, ,1888; Florence Esther (Mrs. 
W. E. Fogg), and Wilbur L., both of whom are now living. Mr. Wright 
was instantly killed by a switch engine, near the spot where the depot 
now stands, October 2, 1886. He was a member of the Congregational 
church, and a man much esteemed and respected by his fellow townsmen. 
For twenty-seven years he followed the profession of dentistry, most of 
the time in partnership with Dr. Wales A. Candee. He was for many 
years a clock-maker, and the designer of many improvements in machin- 
ery for manufacturing brass clocks. 



460 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




SAMUEL AUGUSTUS MITCHELL. 

Was the youngest son of William Mitchell, the first of the name in 
Bristol. He was possessed of literary as well as of business talents, 
and turned his attention to publishing, "The British Poets" being one of 
his productions. He also issued a line of texts book for common schools 
which were far in advance of any previous works of that kind, his Atlases 
and Geographies becoming standard works. He was born in Bristol, 
March 20, 1792, and died in 1868. He was located in Philadelphia 
where he conducted his extensive publishing business. 




WARREN IVES BRADLEY. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



4G] 



Bettei" known by his literary name of "'Glance Gaylord," was cut 
off at the threshold of a brilliant literary career by consumption, at 
the early age of twenty-one years. He was born in Forestville, March 
20, 1847, and died there in 1868, on the loth of June. His mother was 
a daughter of Elisha Manross, a sister of Prof. Newton Manross, and he 
therefore came of a talented family. Of a retiring disposition, yet 
possessed of a -brilliant imagination, he produced books for Sunday 
school reading in rapid succession, having published fifteen up to the 
time of his death. They were all stories for boys, of a high, moral tone, 
and were highly esteemed by youthful readers. 




LAPORTE HUBBELL. 

Was the son of William and Julia Hubbell, who lived near the 
Downs' place. East Bristol, and at twelve years of age commenced 
his life work as a clock-maker. In 1848 he became associated with 
Rodney Barnes and others in the manufacture of marine clocks, which 
business he conducted until near the close of his active life, when he 
was compelled to retire from business because of ill health. He died 
at his home in Forestville, September 4, 1889. aged 64 years and 9 months. 



JULIUS R. MITCHELL. 

Born January 8, 18_'l, was perluq)S more widely known as merchant, 
politician, and citizen; and faithful adherent of the Baptist faith,, than 
any other man in Bristol. Inheriting from his father, Hon. George 
Mitchell, superior lousiness talents, he was identified throughout his 
lifetime with the mercantile and manufacturing interests of his native 
town. During the last few years of his life he suffered ill health, and 
passed away on the 19th of February, 1899. He thrice represented 
the town in the General Assembly, and the district in the Senate. 



462 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




JULIUS R. MITCHELL. 




HENRY WAllD. 

Was a native of Cornwall, Englaiul, where he was born April 29, 
1834. He came|to Bristol with his father's family, where he worked 
as a miner in the copper mine. He also lived in Pennsylvania, and was 
a gold miner in California. His last years were spent in Bristol, as a mer- 
chant, in company with Gilbert P'enfield and A. H. West. He was 
also in the grocery business. He was married in 18G9 to Estelle, daughter 
of Capt. Alvia Wooding, who, with three children, survive him. He 
died November 16, 1882. 



OR "new camdridge. 



463 




NEWTON SPALDING MANROSS. 

Son of Capt. Elisha Manross, was born in Bristol, June 20, 1S25. 
Of a studious and scientific turn of mind he was given good educational 
advantages, graduated at Yale in 1850, studied in Germany, and re- 
ceived the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. He became a Professor of 
Chemistry and Botany at Amherst. He also visited Mexico and Central 
America and conducted explorations there. When the war broke out 
he commanded Company K. Sixteenth Regiment raised in Bristol, 
and was killed at Antietam, the first action in which his regiment par- 
ticipated, in 1862. He was married to Charlotte Roycc, of Bristol, in 
1857. One daughter resides in Orange, Mass. 



464 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




JAMES HANNA. 

Born in north of Ireland in 1848. Came to the United States at six 
years of age, and settled in Hebron, Conn. He was on the police force 
of New York, and in the street car service during the war. Shortly after 
the war he came to Bristol, and conducted the harness business until 
about five years before his death. He organized the Hook and Ladder 
Company in 1872, and was foreman a number of years taking great 
interest in the department, and was Chief Engineer. He was a member 
of the Episcopal Church, and married Mary Fieft, of Terryville, in 1878, 
who survives him. Mr. Hanna was the first member initiated into Ethan 
Lodge. K. of P. He was a charter member of the I. O. R. ]\I., and be- 
longed to the \\'tcran Fireman's Association of Hartford. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



465 




WALLACE BARNES. 

Oldest son of Alphonso Barnes, was born December 25, 1827. He 
married Eliza Fuller, in 1849, and lived in Winsted a few years, where 
he was engaged in the drug business. In 1857 he engaged in the spring 
business which has been continuously conducted ever since at the same 
plant on Main street. One of the most active men in Bristol, he was 
constantly engaged in real estate and other enterprises. Two of his 
five children survive him — Carlyle F. Barnes, who now conducts the 
extensive business founded by his father, and Mrs. Wyllys C. Ladd. 
He died March 28, 1893. 



SAMUEL EMERSON ROOT. 

Was a native of New York, born in Broadalbin, Fulton County, 
October 12, 1820, of Connecticut ancestry. He was a nephew of Chaun- 
cey Ives, of Bristol, and at an early age he came to Bristol, and in part- 
nership with Edward Langdon built the factor}^ which so long stood 
upon the corner of Main and School streets. His specialty was clock 
dials, and other clock trimmings. His son-in-law, Edward E. Newell, 
continued the business until recently, after the death of Mr. Root, which 
occurred on April 7, 189G. Another daughter, became the wife of 
Judge Roger S. .\ewell. 



466 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




SAMUKL E. ROOT. 




JOEL H. ROOT. 

A brother of the late S. E. Root, was also born in Broadalbin, neai- 
Saratoga, N. Y., December 5, 1822. He came to Bristol, when five 
years of age, and made it his home during the remainder of his life, 
which terminateff after a long period of suffering, on April 11,^1885. 
In 1807 he bought what is known as Root's island, and budt a small 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



467 



factory there, where he manufactured clock trimmings, and where the 
business is still conducted by his son Charles J. Root. His wife, Catherine 
Roberts, was a granddaughter of Gideon Roberts, the pioneer American 
clock-maker. 




LEONARD ANDREWS NORTON. 

Was a lifc'long resident of Bristol, first seeing the light on August 
9, 1813, at the' Burton Allen place, on the Fall Mountain road. When 
a year old he moved to the old homestead on Peck lane, where he spent 
the remainder of his^long life. He was by occupation a farmer and 
b^ket-maker. . He was well informed concerning the early history of 
the town, was^a self-educated man, botany being his favorite study, 
jn which he was remarkably proficient. He died July 16, 1895. His 
widow and tw6 sons, Milo L., and Manilus H., survive him. In 1897 
the homestead was sold and is now occupied by W. H. Miller, formerly 
editor of the Bristol Press, and is known as "Fallmont." 



COL. EDWARD L. DUNBAR. 

Was a Scotch descent, and was for many years a prominent busi- 
ness man in Bristol. He was born in 1815, married Julia Warner, of 
Farmington, in 1840, and settled in Bristol. He became a manufacturer 
of clock springs, and was associated with Wallace Barnes during the 
period when hoop-skirts were worn, in the manufacture of crinoline. 
What is now the old Town Hall was erected by this firm for a wood-shed, 
and was called Crinoline hall. He represented the town in the Legis- 
lature in 1862, and was always keenly interested in the affairs of the 
town. He died in 1872. 



468 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




COL. E. L. DUNBAR. 




WILLIAM DAY. 

Was born in Lanesbom, ^hlss., March 28. 18(H). Ho learned the 
cabinet business in Pittsfield, and came to Plymouth Hollow where 
he worked on clock cases for Seth Thomas. He came to Bristol in 
1841, and was einployed in case-making until his retirement owing to 
ill health in 1880. He was chosen a deacon in the Congregational Church 
in 1855, and continued in that office until 1888. He married Emeline 
C. Hitchcock, of Southington, in 1830. He had two daughters, who 
survive him. He died .November 14, 1899. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



469 





CHARLES CHURCHILL. 



CHARLES CHURCHILL, JR. 



CHARLES CHURCHILL. 

Was born in New Hartford, May 25, 1822, and died in Bristol, 
November 16, 1891, where he had been a resident for about fifty years. 
He married Miss Alice Celestia PhilHps of Middletown, May 3, 1843. 
He was an active business man and was universally esteemed as an honor- 
able and upright citizen, while his genial ways and fair dealings won 
for him many friends. For many years he was engaged in the coal 
and lumber business and many houses in town were built by him at 
that time. Afterwards he carried on the hay and produce business 
until the time of his death. He was for many years a Mason, a meniber 
of the Congregational Church, and a charter member of the Bristol 
grange. Mr. Churchill's only son, who lived to manhood, enlisted at 
the time of the Civil War and died in a rebel prison at the age of twenty 
years. 



CHARLES CHURCHILL, JR. 

Charles Churchill, Jr., was born August 27, 1844. He attended 
the Third District school, and when about eighteen years of age enlisted 
in Company K, 16th Regiment., Connecticut Volunteers. He died in a 
rebel prison at Florence, S. C, November 3, 1864. 



I 



470 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




NOAH POMEROY. 

Was born in Somers, December 20, 1819. About 1840 he came to 
Bristol, and worked at clock-making. In 1849 he bought the shop 
formerly owned by Chauncey Ives, where he made clock movements 
until 1878, when he sold out to Hiram C. Thompson, the present prin- 
cipal owner. Since 1865 he resided in Hartford. He died while at 
San Francisco, California, June 9, 1896. 




CHARLES E. NOTT. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



471 



Charles E. Nott was born in Bristol, August 17, 1845, where he 
attended the common schools until twelve years of age and then clerked 
for his father until the latter disposed of his store. He did no active 
business other than that of taking care of his real estate. He was married 
June 25th, 1884, to Miss Harriet J. Stoneburner, who was born in Pitts- 
ford, New York, July 5, 1850, but at the time of marriage was a resident 
of Brighton, New York, with her parents, John and Almira (McMinders) 
Stoneburner. Mr. Nott was a member of the Congregational Church. 
He died April 20, 1900. 




JESSE GAYLORD. 

Was born in Bristol, March 17, 1833, at the old Gaylord home- 
stead on Fall Mountain, where he lived during the early years of his 
life, following the occupation of a farmer and wood dealer. He re- 
moved to Bristol, purchasing the old Welch homestead on West street 
in 1870, continuing the sale of wood, and was the first to introduce 
the sale of baled hay in Bristol. He was also the first to introduce street 
sprinkling. He was married to Julia E. Williams in 1862. She died 
in 1902. He had four children: Frank M., Mrs. W. G. Plumb, of 
Springfield, Mass., Mrs. W. H. jMerritt, and Miss Emma L. Gaylord. 
He died July 15, 1880. 



ELIJAH DARROW. 

Was born in Plymouth, in 1800, and came to Bristol in early life. 
He was an enterprising business man, and one who commanded the 
universal respect of his townsmen. In company with Chauncey Jerome 
he was one of the first to manufacture brass clocks. After the dissolu- 
tion of his partnership with Jerome, he conducted the businessof clock- 
tablet making, from a process of his own, and other enterprises. He 
was chosen a deacon in the Congregational Church in 1855, which office 
he held at the time of his death, which occurred January 15, 1857. 



472 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 




ELIJAH DARROW. 




FRANKLIN ELIJAH DARROW. 

Was born in Bristol, at the Darrow homestead on South street, 
July 18, 1834. He was educated in the public schools, and succeeded 
to the business of the manufacture of clock tablets, carried on by his 



"or new CAMBRIDGE." 



473 



father, which he finally sold to the Ingrahams. He was married May 
17, 1860 to Miss Amelia Whiting of Canton Centre. He organized 
the Darrow Manufacturing Company, for the manufacture of rawhide 
doll heads, and other goods, which did a thriving business for a number 
of years. After his connection with this business was severed he resided 
for three years at Rockport and Lynn, Mass., where he was superintend- 
ent in a factory. After his return to Bristol he became the chairman 
of the School Committee of District No. 3, which position he held with 
much credit for efficiency, until his death, January 8, 1882. He was also 
the first President of the noted society of B. B's. 




EVITS HUNGERFORD. 

Born in the town of Bristol, Conn., October 20, 1777, and was a life- 
long farmer in that locality. He was also a blacksmith and worked 
at his trade for years. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, in re- 
ligious faith a consistent Methodist and the first piece of timber for 
building the old Methodist Church was taken from his land. He was 
a charter member of the Franklin Lodge, F. & A. M. On September 
23, 1810, he married Annah Peck of Burhngton, Conn., who was born 
September 14, 1789. Children as follows were born to them: Leander 
G., William ElHs, Rev. Chas. Lyman (he died in 1845 in Brooklyn where 
he' was a Methodist preacher), Louisa Amy and Caroline Sally. The 
father died September 17, 1SG7; the mother June 20, 1881. 



474 



BRISTOL, COXXECTICUT 




HAVILAH THOMPSON COOK. 

His early life was spent in Albany, N. Y., but resided in Bristol 
the greater part of his life. He conducted a large business as a shoe- 
maker and shoe-dealer at the North Side, while that was the center of 
the town, but followed the tide of population to the South Side where 
he located in Seymour's block. He was married to Sophia Crampton, 
of Cheshire, in 1836. He was an early and outspoken abolitionist, a 
radical temperance man. strictly honest and fearless in every line of 
duty. His son, Henry B., succeeds him in the same line of business. 
He had three daughters, Ellen, Ann Maria, and Ellen Maria. He died 
June 24, 1869. 



GILBERT PENFIELD. 

Born in Portland, in 1823; died at Bristol, in 1896. Nearly the 
whole of his life was spent in Connecticut, mostly in Bristol, where he 
was in business with his son-in-law, A. H. West, for twenty-two years, 
selling sewing machines, and later conducting a store for the sale of 
art goods, and many other articles. Many of those who sec this book 
will recall the vision of the old wagon with its sewing machine, and the 
face of the merchant, who probably visited every house in the town 
and the near-by villages. Of a jovial, genial disposition he won many 
friends. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



475 




GILBERT PENFIELD. 




CHARLES ANDREW STEELE. 

Was born in West Hartford, October 19, 1814. Was a resident 
of Bristol for many years, serving the town in the capacity of Select- 



476 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



man. and the county as Deputy Sheriff. He was for many years station 
agent at Plainville, and afterward in Bristol, where he was retired by 
the railroad company because of advancing years. At one time he 
was Superintendent of the Bristol Manufacturing Company. He was 
an active member of the Methodist Church for many years, and was 
a verv efficient and faithful man in the many responsible positions which 
he was called upon to fill. He died February 24, 1898. 




DAVID SYLVESTER MILLER. 

Was bom in Torrington, July -7, 1823. Died in Bristol, February 
26, 1895. He resided in Bristol' from 1845 to 1856, the greater part 
of the time in wh^t was then called Polkville. Returned to Bristol 
again in 1879, and resided here until his death in 1895. For years was 
the head book-keeper for J. H. Sessions & Son, retiring some time before 
his death. 



JOHN HOUSE ADAMS. 

Was born in Andover, December 5, 1812. He learned the trade 
of bookbinding in Hartford, in early life. He was married to Mary 
Noyes, of New London, in 1836, by whom he had three children, two 
of whom survive him — William H., and Mrs. Sarah M. Potter. He 
w^orked at his trade in New York for several years, came to Bristol 
in 1841, and was emjjloyed by Brewster &- Ingraham, until 1851. He 
worked ten years for H! A. Pond, at candlestick making in the north 
part of the spoon shop on Main street, and in 1861 commenced work 
for S. E. Root, where he remained until he was compelled to retire by 
reason of old age. He died February 19, 1900. He was a member of 
the Congregational denomination for sixty years. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE 



477 




JOHN H, ADAMS. 




WILLIAM GIBB. 

Very few men left such a host of devoted friends, embracing the 
entire community, as did Rev. WilHam Gibb, pastor of the Advent 
Societv, who died in the morning of his Hfe and usefulness, in Callander, 
Scotland, July 20, 1897, where he had repaired, with his devoted wife 



478 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

of a year, for the benefit of his faihng health. He was a native of Glas- 
gow, came to this country in 1893, and became a preacher of the Advent 
denomination, conducting evangelical services in Southington. His 
ordination took place in 1895, as pastor of the Bristol Church. He 
married Millie Arms, of Bristol, June 30, 1896. To such a sweet devoted, 
spirit as his these lines of Moore will apply : 

"You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will, 
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still." 




JOSEPH SIGOURNEY. 

Joseph Sigourney came to Bristol in 1845, and worked in the South 
Side knitting mill. Not long before the war he purchased a small fruit 
and confectionary store that stood near where Merrick's grocery store 
now stands, which he moved to the location now occupied by the New 
York clothing store on Main street, where he did a large and very success- 
ful business, using one store as a jewelry and variety store and the other 
for the fruit and confectionary business. He made a host of friends 
and was respected by all. He was a prominent member of the Methodist 
church. He married Miss Sibyl Dawson and had two sons. He retired 
from active business in 1881 and died June 17, 1887, aged 66. 



JOHN H. SUTLIFFE. 

Was born in Plymouth, October 4, 1810. In 1832 he married 
Harriet Warner, of Farmington, and to them were born three daughters, 
Mrs. Thomas Barnes, Mrs. Julia Barber of Indianapolis, Ind., and Mrs. 
Harriet Russell. He came to Bristol soon after his marriage, working 
for many years for the Atkins Clock Co., and later for the Welch-Spring 
Co., retiring a few years before his death, which occurred March 124, 
1884. He was a man of sterling character, and a member of the Baptist 
Chui-ch for many years. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE 



479 








^ fe 




JOHN H. SUTLIFFE. 




ANSON LUCIUS ATWOOD. 

Mr. Anson L. Atwood, one of the oldest and most respected citizens 
of the town, has been for the greater part of his long life associated with 
the chief industry of Bristol, the clock making business. 

He was born at Norfolk, Conn., June 12, 1816, and came to Bristol 
as a young man, in the fall of 1838. He began work with the clock firm 
of Birge & Mallory, which occupied the shop now known as the Saw- 
factory of M. D. Edgerton. These were the days of contracts or jobs. 



480 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Mr. Atwood took the job of turning parts of clock cases for Birge 
& Mallory, and when this was completed, continued in the same shop 
a short time longer, turning brass for clock movements. 

In April, 1839, he engaged to work for Elisha Brewster at his clock 
shop on Race street, known in later years as the "Elias Burwell Shop." 

Not long after this Mr. Brewster became associated with Shaylor 
Ives in the manufacture of spring clock movements, — said to be the 
■ first made in this country. 

Mr. Atwood continued with Brewster & Ives and except for a brief 
interval, with the succeeding firm of Brewster & Ingraham (formed in 
1843), for several years. In 1845 he contracted with the latter com- 
pany for the manufacture of their one-day clock movements. For 
this business he fitted up the factory known as "The Blue Shop," — 
still standing near the bridge on North street. To this factory later, — 
during 1847, — the remainder of the clock movement business of this 
firm was removed. In April of this year, Mr. Atwood sold the house 
he had owned for several years on Federal street to Wm. E. Day and 
purchased a farm in Stafford District, thinking farm life would better 
suit his health. But during the years on the farm he was many times 
persuaded to take up his previous occupation. In the spring^of 1848, 
he contracted with Brewster & Ingraham for the manufacture of all 
of their clock movements for the year (the last of their partnership), 
and a little later made a similar contract with Elisha Brewster, who 
continued the business for many years. 

Mr. Atwood was next superintendent for a time of the clock shop 
of Captain Elisha Manross, at Forestville, which stood where the engine 
house now stands, and later for Manross Brothers, then occupying 
the factory known of late years as "The Bit Shop." He also manufac- 
tured movements for Elisha Brewster during the latter part of this stay 
on the farm. 

Mr. Atwood returned to town in the spring of 1865, to start the 
clock movement business for E. Ingraham & Co. They purchased a 
building known as the "Hardware Shop" (where curry-combs and tin 
candlesticks had been made), which stood on the^ corner of North Main 
and Meadow streets, and removed it to a location just north of their 
present factory buildings. 

•Mr. Atwood fitted this factory with the necessary machinery for 
the manufacture of-clock movements, and continued with E. Ingraham 
& Company as superintendent for twenty-two years, retiring in August 
1887, at the age of seventy-one. This was made the occasion of a visit 
from the employees of the firm who presented him with a handsome 
gold headed cane as a token of their esteem and goodwill. 

Mr. Atwood married Eliza Ann Hooker, daughter of George Hooker, 
who for a time just previous to this, 1840, manufactured stocks (neck- 
wear) at the North Side. Their family of children consisted of one 
son and three daughters. 

Mr. and Mrs. Atwood celebrated their golden wedding, November 
18, 1890. Mrs. Atwood's death occurred April 1, 1902, and that of 
the son, who was a resident of Hartford, three years later. The daugh- 
ters reside with their father at the home on Summer street. This house, 
built by Mr. Atwood in 1871, was the first house erected in all that por- 
tion of the borough included in Summer street and vicinity. 

Although deeply interested in all questions of public welfare, Mr. 
Atwood has never cared to hold office. His chief interest, apart from 
business and family life, has centered in the Congregational church, 
of which he has been for sixty-six years an active member and up to 
the present time a constant attendant. 

Mr. Atwood's ninetieth V)irthday was most happily marked by the 
presentation by his near neighbors and friends, of a beautiful silver 
loving cup, suitably engraved, accompanied by a handsomely engraved 
testimonial bearing tribute to "his high Christian character" and "to 
the power for good in the community of his long life of true and stead- 
fast honor, uprightness and integrity." He died August 25, 1907. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE." 



^81 




EDWARD BUTLER DUNBAR. 



482 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

EDWARD BUTLER DUNBAR. 

(From Bristol Press, May 20, 1907.) 

Edward Butler Dunbar was born in Bristol November 1, 1842 and 
was a son of Edward Lucien Dunbar and Julia Warner. He was de- 
scended from one of the oldest Scotch- American families in New England. 

Mr. Dunbar attended the public schools of the town and completed 
a course at the Williston seminary at East Hampton, Mass. At the 
age of eighteen years he went to New York and became associated with 
the late Williain F. Tompkins in the mangaement of the New York office 
of the "crinoline" or hoop skirt business of Dunbar & Barnes, then an 
extensive Bristol industry. Two years later Mr. Tompkins resigned 
and Mr. Dunbar succeeded to the sole management of the office. He 
continued in the position three j^ears, when the fashion for hoop skirts 
had materially subsided and the New York office was given up. 

Returning to Bristol in 1865, Mr. Dunbar entered the employ of his 
father who had that year established the small spring factory at the 
present location of Dunbar Brothers. He resided here continuously 
since. In 1872 the elder Dunbar died and the following year a partner- 
ship was formed between the brothers, Edward B., William A., and 
Winthrop W. for carrying on the business under the firm name of Dun- 
bar Brothers. The partnership continued until 1890 when because of 
ill health, W. A. Dunbar sold out his interest to his brothers and retired 
from the finn. 

The business thrived under the management of the new firm and 
became one of the leading manufacturing houses of the town. The 
original factory bvtilding is still in use and one of the landmarks of the 
town. Since the death of the elder Dunbar, and bjr his express wish 
the old bell is tolled every night of the year ninetj^-nine times at 9 o'clock. 

Just previous to the death of the subject of this sketch the firm of 
Dunbar Brothers was incorporated, with C. E. Dunbar as a member 
of it. E. B. Dunbar was the largest stockholder and president of the 
firm. 

Mr. Dunbar's life was an active one, and he found time to devote 
much time, energy and thought to- worthy public enterprises and institu- 
tions. 

He served his town two terms as representative in the general 
assembly, in 1869 when but twenty-seven years old and again in 1881. 
He served the old Fourth senatorial district in the upper branch of the 
general assembly in 1885 and was re-elected in 1887. Subsequently 
he was urged to accept a nomination for Congress but declined. 

For thirty years he was the Democratic registrar of voters in the 
First district of the town and borough, and the first election he failed 
to attend in all those years was the borough election held a few days ago. 

He was one of the active promoters of the project which provided 
Bristol with a High school and was chairman of the High school com- 
mittee from its establishment until four years ago when he resigned, 
because of the press of other duties. It was under his direction the 
present sightly school building was cdnstructed. His interest was ever 
intense for maintaining high standards at the school, giving it a standing 
and efficiency beyond that of similiar schools in towns the size of Bristol. 

For a number of years Mr. Dunbar was a member of the board of 
school visitors and for more than a quarter of a century, was a member 
of the district coinmittee of the South Side school. 

Mr. Dunbar had been the executive head of the Bristol fire depart- 
ment since 1871, the date of the establishment of the board of fire coin- 
missioners. He was deeply interested in the progress of the depart- 
ment and within his administration saw it grow from the old hand engine 
equipment to its present modern apparatus. 

In 1891 when the Free Public librar^^ was suggested as a solution of 
the question of what should be done with the library of the then defunct 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 483 

Y. M. C. A., Mr. Dunbar was very active in behalf of the movement 
for the town institution. He was chosen president of the board of library 
directors which position he held to the time of his death. He was a 
member of the special committee of the board appointed to solicit for 
the building fund and during the absence of Mr. Ingraham from the 
town acted temporarily as a member of the building committee. 
^ Mr. Dunbar was also active in the interests of the movement for 
the establishment of the Bristol National bank and from the first has 
been a director in that institution, For a number of years he was its 
vice president. In 1905, following the death of President Charles S. 
Treadway, Mr. Dunbar was chosen his successor and filled that office 
with characteristic faithfulness and ability to the last da^^s of his illness. 

He was also a director and vice president of the Bristol Savings 
bank since 1889. 

Mr. Dunbar united with the First Congregational Church July 7, 
1867, and since October 11, 1901 had been a faithful deacon in that 
church. 

He was a member of the Bristol Business Men's association. Reliance 
Council, Royal Arcanum and the Central Congregational club. 

In former days he was president of the Bristol Board of Trade and 
of the Young Men's Christian Association, being particularly interested 
in the Boys' branch of that institution. 

Every position held by Mr. Dunbar was regarded by him as a channel 
for service to the community and his fellows. Faithfulness and ability 
and self sacrifice characterized his administrations, throughout his long 
career of usefulness. 

Mi'. Dunbar married Miss Alice Giddings, daughter of Watson 
Giddings, December 23, 1875 and three children were born to them: — - 
Mamie Eva, who died in 1881; Marguerite, wife of Rev. C. N. Shepard, 
professor of Hebrew at the General Theological seminary. New York 
City, and Edward Giddings Dunbar who is at present attending a pre- 
paratory school at Stamford. 

Mr. Dunbar is survived by Mrs. Dunbar and five brothers and 
sisters: — Winthrop W. Dunbar, William A. Dunbar, Mrs. Warren W. 
Thorpe, Mrs. Leverett A. Sanford and Mrs. George W. Mitchell. Mr. 
Dunbar's death took place May 13, 1907. 



HENRY ALBERT SEYMOUR. 

Henry Albert Seymour was born in New Hartford, January 22, 
1818. He was married in Bristol, in 1844, to Electa Churchill of New 
Hartford. In 1847 he removed to Stafford District where he engaged 
in clock-making in the Boardman & Wells shop in partnership with 
his brother-in-law, John Churchill and Ebenezer Hendrick of Forest- 
ville. Conflicting with patents cont"olled by Noble Jerome, he re- 
linquished this business and moved to Bristol, where he built a small 
factory, now used as a tenement house on Riverside avenue, and began 
the manufacture of ivory and boxwood rules, which business he sold 
to The Stanley Rule and Level Company of New Britain. In 1851 he 
built the first of the Main street buildings known as Seymour's Block, 
where he conducted a jewelry and watch repairing business for several 
years. He sold all his Main street property, homestead included, in 
1896, to the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. 
Mr. Seymour served the town as Selectman, Assessor and in other capac- 
ities. He was one of the organizers of the Bristol Savings Bank in 1870, 
was elected its first president, and served in that office continuously 
until his death, a period of nearly twenty-seven years. He died April 



484 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




6, 1897. Airs. Seymour died December 10, 1873. Their surviving 
children are: Laura E., of Bristol; Henry A., of Washington, D. C; 
Mary, wife of Miles Lewis Peck, of Bristol; Grace, wife of William S. 
Ingraham, of Bristol and George Dudley Seymour of New Haven. 




ALLEN BUNNELL. 

Was born in Burlington, February 7, 1802, and died in Bristol, May 
20, 1873.-' -His schooling was received at the Center district of his native 
town until fourteen, when he gave seven years to learning the trade 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



485 



of wagon making of "Boss" Hale of the same town. At twenty-four 
he was married to Rhoda Atwater, of Bristol, and raised a large family 
of intelligent, active children, too well-known as prominent citizens 
of Bristol, to need designation. Except for a period^of three years 
spent in Ohio and Illinois, his long life was spent in"J,Burlington and 
Bristol. He was one of the earliest and most outspoken of the aboli- 
tionists, and burned a keg of powder when his three boys were at the 
front, in celebrating the freedom of the slaves. 




ELISHA C. BREWSTER. 

Was a son of Capt. Elisha Brewster, of Middletown, and a descendant 
of Elder William Brewster, of the Mayflower. He was a clothmaker 
by trade, but became interested in the sale of clocks as a "Yankee clock 
peddler," in the South, selling the clocks made by Thomas Barnes of 
Bristol. In 1843 he became a partner of Elias and Andrew Ingraham, 
afterward associating himself with William Day and Augustine Norton. 
He retired from business in 1862. His son, N. L. Brewster, represented 
the London, England, branch of the business for twenty-one years. 
He was a prominent man, a deacon in the Congregational Church, and 
much respected as a man and citizen. He died January 28, 1880. 



486 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 





GEORGE W. BARTHOLOMEW. 



HARRY S. BARTHOLOMEW. 



GEORGE W. BARTHOLOMEW. 

Descended from the first settlers of the town. Mr. Bartholomew 
became, indeed, a representative man. His father was born in the old 
"Bartholomy" tavern, near the Burlington line, Peaceable street, March 
'25, 1776. Mr. Bartholomew was born June 19, 1805. He lived^^many 
years in Polkville, now Edgewood, but in early life traveled exten- 
sively in the South and in California. He was one of the first to open 
the Bristol copper mine; and in company with his son, Harry S., was 
engaged in manufacturing up to the time of his death, which took place 
May 7, 1897. 

HARRY S. BARTHOLOMEW. 

Son of George W., was born in Bristol, March 14, 1832. He married 
Sabra A. Peck, of Whigville, in 1860. He was a student of Siineon 
Hart's noted academy, in Farmington, went to California in 1854, but 
returned in 1855, and commenced the inanufacture of bit braces, in 
company with his father in Polkville, in which business he continued 
to the end of his life, which took place February 19, 1902, in the South, 
where he was seeking to benefit his health by a change of climate. 

CHARLES BEACH. 

Was born at Burlington, August 8, 1816. His parents were John 
and Betsey (Curtis) Beach. He came to Bristol in his boyhood, en- 
gaging in various employments in his earlier years, but was for many 
years preceding his death an efficient and faithful employe in the clock 
factory, his specialty being varnishing. He was twice married; first 
to Miss Mary Granniss, of Southington, Conn., who lived but a few years. 
In 1845- he married Miss Abigail Clark, of Sandisfield, Mass. He was a 
faithful member of the M. E. Church for over sixty years, and a constant 
attendant upon its various services until failing health compelled him 
to stay at home. He died December 3, 1894. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE " 



487 




CHARLES BEACH. 




ORRIN BURDETTE IVES. 

Was born in Bristol Aug. 2, 1830. His first experience in his mercan- 
tile career was as a clerk with George Merriman at the North Side After 
living m Boston and other places he formed a partnership with Andrew 
bhepard, m the store now owned by the Muzzvs. Mr Ives took the 



488 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



grocery department about 1862, and carried it on separately for a time. 
On the death of Mr. Shepard he took the entire business, selling out to 
A. J. Muzzy in 1875. He was in South Norwalk for several years where 
he conducted a dry goods store. After disposing of his store to Mr. 
Muzzy, he was engaged in the feed business, and harness business, and 
finally the glass and crockery trade which he sold to Lee Roberts, who 
has since conducted it. His death occurred while returning from Florida, 
where he had been for the benefit of his health, which had long been 
delicate, at Aiken, S. C, April 18, 1896. 



^^■f-T"' -uv_« ; „ '^r^^-- -''-."'.'5.3:.. 




CONSTANT LOYAL TUTTLE. 

Constant Loyal Tuttle, the subject of this sketch, was born in Bristol, 
Conn., January 28, 1775, the son of Ebenezer and Eunice Moss Tuttle 
(I mention the vear as it accounts for his strange name.) He was their 
sixth child. October 21, 1798, he married Chloe, daughter of Caleb 
and Annah Carrington Matthews. They commenced housekeeping at 
East Plymouth and in 1812 returned to her home on Chippin's Hill 
to care for her parents in their declining years. Nine children were 
born to them. Two died young, seven grew to maturity and married. 
He had twenty-seven grandchildren and twenty-two followed him to 
his grave. 

Mr. Tuttle was a prosperous farmer. He built a tannery north of 
his house where they tanned leather making a portion of it into shoes 
and harnesses. Here was a cider mill and distillery, for in those days it 
was not considered wrong to make and drink brandy. That was given 
up long before his death in 1858. 

He was a church man and helped build the Episcopal Church at the 
North Side and with Mr. Ephriam Downs built and owned the rectory. 
He was Justice of the Peace and was a man thoroughly respected. He 
was a Free Mason previous to the Morgan trouble and his name is men- 
tioned as treasurer in 1819. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 489 




JOHN HUMPHREY SESSIONS. 

John Humphrey Sessions, m whose death at Bristol, September 
10, 1899, the community lost one of its most valued citizens, was a native 
of Connecticut, born March 17, 1828, in Burlington, Hartford County. 

The Sessions family, with which our subject was connected, had 
its origin in Wantage, Berkshire, England, which place was visited in 
1889 by a member of the Connecticut line, who found none of the family 
there. However, in the adjoining country of Gloucester, there is a 
familv by the name of Sessions, which, there is little doubt, came from 
the same stock, in fact, it was the only one of the name to be found in 
England. The head of this Gloucestershire family, Hon. J. Sessions, 
at the age of eighty years, was Mayor of the city of Gloucester, and his 
three sons were associated with him in a large manufacturing business 
in both Gloucester and Cardiff (Wales), the style of the firm being J. 
Sessions & Sons. There is also a daughter who is actively engaged in 
benevolent and reformatory work, while the mother established and 
built a "Hoine for the Fallen," which is managed and cared for by mem- 
bers of the family. They all belong to the "Society of Friends," and 
Frederick Sessions, although at the head of a large business, gives his 
entire time, without salary, to reformatory work, lecturing and organ- 
izing Sunday Schools, and temperance and other beneficent societies. 

The crest of the English Sessions family is a griffin's head. This 
mythological creature was sacred to the sun, and, according to tradition, 
kept guard over hidden treasures. It is emblematical of watchfulness, 
courage, perseverance and rapidity of execution — characteristics of the 
Sessions family to the present day. 

*********** 
John Humphrey Sessions, born March 17, 1828, in Burlington, Conn., 
was married April 27, 1848, to Miss Emily Bunnell, born in Burlington, 
January 30, 1828, a daughter of Allen and Rhoda (Atwater) Bunnell, 
also of Burlington. Children born to John Humphrey and Emily 
(Bunnell) Sessions were as follows: (1) John Henry, born February 26, 
1849; (2) Carrie Emily, born December 15, 1854, married December 24, 



490 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



1871, George W. Neubauer of Bristol; (3) William Edwin, born February 
18, 1857. 

John Humphrey Sessions received a common school education, such 
as the district schools afforded in his boyhood days, and at an early age 
began to work in the wood turning establishment of A. L. & L. W. Wins- 
ton, Polkville, a suburb of Bristol. In 1858 he entered into partnership 
with Henry A. Warner, under the firm name of Warner & Sessions. 
The venture proving a success, he in 1869 removed the business to the 
center of the town. About 1870 he purchased the trunk hardware 
business that had belonged to his deceased brother, Albert J. Sessions, 
and the business was a success from the commencement. In 1879 Mr. 
Sessions bought the property of the Bristol Foundry Co. on Laurel St., 
and together with his son Wm. E. Sessions, formed the Sessions Foundry 
Co. This business, like the others, proved a great success, and in 1896 
they moved into their present plant on Faraiington avenue. 

All his life Mr. Sessions was identified with important concerns of 
the town. In 1875 he was one of the founders of the Bristol National 
Bank and was elected its first president, a position he held until the 
time of his death. He was president of the Bristol Water Company 
at the time of his decease. He was one of the original stockholders of 
the Bristol Electric Light Company and was its president until it merged 
into the Bristol & Plainville Tramway Company; was a stockholder in 
the Bristol Press Company. 

"Besides being a most important factor in financial life of the town, 
he was no less a potent force in its moral and religious life." A brief 
sketch of his connection with the Prospect M. E. Church is given 
in the art'cle about the Church, on page 283. 




JOHN HENRY SESSIONS. 

Eldest son of John Humphrey Sessions, born in Polkville, February 
26, 1849, and received a liberal education at the schools of Bristol. t^'In 
1873 he was admitted into the firm of J. H. Sessions & Son, trunk hard- 
ware manufacturers. He was a director of the Bristol Water Company 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



491 



at its organization and at the death of his father became its president. 
At the time of his father's death he was elected vice president of the 
Bristol National Bank. Mr. Sessions, though a staunch Republican, 
took no active part in politics. In 1883 he was elected secretary of 
the Bristol Board of Fire Commissioners. On May 19, 1869 he married 
Miss Maria Francena Woodford, who was born September 8, 1848, a daugh- 
ter of Ephraim Woodford, of West Avon, Conn., and one son was born 
to them, Albert Leslie, born January 5, 1872. 




ALBERT JOSEPH SESSIONS. 

Was born in Burlington, June 11, 1834. At the age of twelve he 
left home to work for a farmer for his board and clothes, attending school 
in the winter. At sixteen he started out in the world for himself. In 
1857 he engaged in the manufacture of trunk trimmings, in Southington, 
in company with his brother, the late Samuel W. Sessions, of Cleveland, 
Ohio. In 1862 the business was moved to Bristol, and conducted by 
him until his death, when it was acquired by John H. Sessions. He 
died June 25, 1870. He was an active member of the Congregational 
Church, President of the Y. M. C. A., and interested in all the affairs 
of the town, political and otherwise. 



492 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




HERVEY ELLSWORTH WAY, M. D. 

Hervey Ellsworth Way, M. D., the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Meriden, Conn., January 17, 1828. He was the son of Susan and 
Samuel Way. 

He received a common school education and studied medicine under 
the instruction of Gardner Barlow, M. D., of Meriden and later under 
John B. Newman, M. D. of New York City, after which he took a course 
of study in the University of the City of New York, from which institu- 
tion he graduated in the year 1849. 

He commenced the practice of medicine in Westbrook soon after 
graduation, where he remained but a short time. While in Westbrook 
he married Lucy Ann Kirtland, daughter of Philip M. Kirtland of that 
town. From Westbrook he removed to Cheshire remaining a few years 
and in 1857 came to Bristol where he was in active practice until two 
years before his death which was. caused by heart trouble. 

Dr. Way was upright and honorable in his dealings with men, con- 
scientious to a very marked degree and highly regarded by all with 
whom he came in contact. He ranked high in his profession and was 
often called in consultation. He was first of all a student and his library 
contained many choice works, the study of which was to him a pastime. 

He died in Bristol, July 29, 1892, survived by his wife, daughter, 
son and granddaughter and a large circle of friends and patrons mourned 
his loss. 



I 



'new CAMBRIDGE." 493 




EX-SENATOR ELISHA N. WELCH. 
From Bristol Press, August 4, 1887. 

Elisha N. Welch died at his home in Forestville at noon on Tuesday, 
August 2d, in his 79th year. He had long been in feeble health, and of 
late, for the most part confined to the house. The immediate cause 
of his death was angina pectoris. 

Mr. Welch was born in Chatham, East Hampton Society, February 
7, 1809. During his minority his father moved to Bristol, having bought 
the house on West street, now owned by Mrs. H. Bradley. 

He became of age on a Sunday and the next day entered upon a 
business career in connection with his father. The business in which 
they engaged was that of casting clock weights. The scale on which 
they began this enterprise would hardly entitle it to the dignified name 
of a business in these days, for their facilities were exceedingly limited. 
The blast for their cupola was produced by a blacksmith's bellows worked 
by hand, and the cupola itself is still humorously spoken of by the old 
residents of Bristol as a "porridge pot." The weights were sold to 
clock makers, and payment taken in finished clocks. They were dis- 
posed of to such customers as they could .find, some of them being carried 
to Philadelphia by the younger memt)cr of the firm. Old iron was 
frequently taken in exchange. As the business grew, other branches 
of it were added, and in a few years the father and son, who started in 
so small a way, were possessed of $20,000, which in those days was 
considered a large fortune. 

Later he had as a partner in the foundry and machine business, 
for many years, the late Harvey Gray, and this firm did a large business. 
Much of their work was for the Bristol Copper Mine Company. Mr. 
Welch withdrew about 1856, and Mr. Gray continued alone until burned 
out a year or two later. 

As a result of the business panic in IS.")?, the clock business of J. C. 
Brown at Forestville came into Mr. Welch's hands, and he organized 
the E. N. Welch Mfg. Co., which has had a most successful career, and 
is today one of the largest clock concerns in the country. Mr. Welch 
was also founder of the Bristol Brass and Clock Co., in 1850, which has 



494 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

also been a great financial success. This company has a rolling mill 
for the manufacture of sheet brass, located between Bristol and Forest- 
ville; a lamp burner factory at Forestville, and a spoon and fork factory 
in Bristol. Mr. Welch was also principal stockholder in the Bristol 
Manufacturing Co., manufacturing knitted underwear. Of these three 
companies he has been the president for inany years. He was also a 
large stockholder in manufacturing concerns in Waterbury, New Britain, 
Plainville and other places. He was also one of the five stockholders 
of the First National Bank of New Haven, of which his brother, H. M. 
Welch, is president. Each of the five stockholders put in $50,000 when 
the bank was instituted. Mr. Welch was also a director in the Bristol 
National Bank, and in the Travelers and National Insurance Companies 
of Hartford. He has also had some interest in mines in Montana. His 
financial success in all of his vmdertakings has been very great and his 
estate is estimated at $3,000,000. 

Mr. Welch was a member of the Baptist Church in Bristol, and its 
principle financial supporter, and contributed very largely to the build- 
ing of a new church edifice and parsonage a few years since. He repre- 
sented Bristol in the Legislature in 1863 and 1881, and was Senator 
from the Fourth District in 1883 and 1884. In politics he was a Deino- 
crat. 

In 1829 Mr. Welch married Miss Jane Bulkley of Bristol, who died 
in 1873. Their children were four, one of whom, Mrs. Frederick N. 
Stanlev of New Britain, is deceased. The others are Mrs. A. F. Atkins, 
Mrs. G. H. Mitchell, and James H. Welch. In 1876 he married Mrs. 
Sophia F. Knowles of Canandaigua, N. Y., who survives him. Two 
brothers and one sister also survive him, H. M. Welch of New Haven, 
H. L. Welch of Waterville, and Mrs. J. R. Mitchell of Bristol. 




JULIUS NOTT. 

Was a native of Rocky Hill, where he was born June 11, 1819. 
Learned the trade of stoneinason and bricklayer prior to 1840. Came 
to Bristol and in 1843 began to work at his trade here, and in other 
towns. While at work on the knitting mill in Plainville in 1857 he 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE." 



495 



sustained injuries from a fall that prevented him from following his 
trade. He opened a small grocery in Bristol, in 1858, in the basement 
of the building that he afterward owned, where the Main street railroad 
bridge now is, where he accvimmulated a coinpetence, though twice 
burned out. In 1872 he sold the business to H. & L. G. Merick. He 
served the town faithfully as Selectman and Representative; and was 
a Director in the National and Savings Banks, from their organization. 
His death came from an accident at the railway crossing on Prospect 
street, January 2, 1877. 




GAD NORTON. 

Gad Xoi'ton, son of Parrish and Betsy Rice Norton, was a descend- 
ant of John Norton, the founder of the line known as the "Farmington 
Nortons," who was also one of the eighty-four proprietors of that town. 

He was born in Southington, October 24, 1815, and married Mary 
A., daughter of Solomon and Olive Comes Wiard of Wolcott, October 
23, 1839. He died May 4, 1898. 

His ability and worth were early recognized in his native town. 
He served as selectman of Southington a number of years, represented 
his town in the Legislature several terms, and occupied other positions 
of responsibility and trust. 

As a resident of Bristol he was elected a member of the School 
Board and was a director of the Bristol National Bank and the Bri.stol 
Savings Bank. On June 4, 1875, through a petition to the Legislature, 
his homestead and adjoining lands were set off from the town of South- 
ington to the town of Bristol, thus making him a resident of the latter 
place. The property thus transferred was a portion of the original 
allotment of Southington land made in 1722 to John Norton, son of the 
pioneer ancestor and has been in the family through seven generations. 

Mr. Norton inherited, with his farm the Lake Compounce property 
which had belonged to the family since 1787 and developed it as a summer 
resort in the years previous to 18.50. later instituting several of the per- 
manent organizations which meet there annuallv. 



496 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




BENJAMIN F. HAWLEY. 

Mr. Hawley was ■born in Farmington, Conn., December 7, ISOS. 
He came to Bristol at about fourteen years of age, his father buying the 
house still standing at the corner of West and Pleasant Streets. Here 
he lived for a number of years. He made gQod use" of the educational 
advantages he had received and taught school for two or more years in 
Stafford District. At the age of twenty-seven he went to Michigan 
where he taught for a year.- Returning to Bristol he taught for many 
vears in District No. 1. February 3, 1852 he was married to Mary C. 
Seavems of Dorchester, Mass. They had three children all of whom 
are still living. In 1850 he was elected to the office of Town Clerk, serv- 
ing as such from 1850 to 1854, again from 1857 to 1861 and from 1864 
to 1887. He was elected Judge of Probate from 1858 to 1875. Iri 1862 
he Avas elected Town Treasurer and treasurer of the town deposit and 
town school funds which offices he held during the remainder of his 
life He also served for several years on the board of school visitors. 
The length of time that he filled these different offices showed his fitness 
for them and the confidence reposed in him. He was twice sent to the 
Legislature. In politics he was a life-long Democrat. While he may 
have had political opponents yet there were none but who loved and 
respected him. His thirty years of official life open always to public 
view, was passed without a blot. He was for years active in church 
and Sunday school work until such time as he resigned on account of 
failing health. It may be truthfully said that Judge Hawley "died in 
the harness." He went to his office in the forenoon of the last day that 
he ever went out of the house, after that he conducted such business as 
could be done in the quietude of his own home. His death occurred 
August 23, 1887. Though his life filled so large a place in the activities 
of town and church it filled a still larger place in the hearts of those 
whom he loved best. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE, i 



497 





BENJAMIN B. LEWIS. 



SAMUEL M. SUTLIFF. 



BENJAMIN BENNET LEWIS. 

Was a native of Athens, N. Y., where he was born October 30, 1818. 
At nine he was left an orphan, and after a short experience as a clerk 
in a store in New York City, went to sea at fifteen and worked his way 
up to the position of Commander. In 1840 he went to Huron, Ohio, 
and engaged in the drug trade, also dealing in jewelry', clocks and watches, 
and while there he invented the calendar which brought him to Bristol, 
where he manufactured them in company with the late William W. 
Carter. He afterward entered the employ of the Welch, Spring & Co. 
and was foreijian for many years. He died in 1890. 



SAMUEL MORSE SUTLIFF. 

Was born in Southington, January 28, 1828. In 1860 he married 
Margaret Griffin. In early life he came to Bristol, and for ten years was 
bookkeeper at the knitting mill of the Bristol Manufacturing Co. Under 
Lincoln's administration he was the postmaster. Afterward conducted 
a grocery store where Cook's bakery is now located. During the last 
seventeen years of his life he resided in Florida, where he had a large 
orange grove. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, and a man 
of marked business ability. His death occurred at his home in Haw- 
thorn, Fla., in January, 1899. 



498 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




ISAAC PIERCE. 

One of the most genial and popular men of our town, was born 
in the old Pierce homestead, November 21, 1815. He spent nine years 
of his life in Alabama, from 1833 to 1842, returned to Bristol and went 
to California in search of gold in 1849. He returned to Bristol in 1850, 
and secured a half interest in Lake Compounce in 1851, retaining his 
interest there until his death which occurred July 28, 1897. He rep- 
resented the town in the Legislatures of 1861 and 1808. In 1864 he 
married Catherine Degnan, by whom he had four children, of whom 
three are now living: Edward, Julius and Mrs. Stanton Brown. He 
lived to see the Lake connected with the outside world by electric cars 
and become one of the most popular resorts in Connecticut. 

ELIAS INGRAHAM. 

Was born in Marlborough, November 1, 1805. He was a cabinet- 
maker in early life, and worked at his4:rade in Hartford coming to Bristol 
about 1827, and working for George Mitchell. He made clock cases by 
contract until 1843, when the firm of Brewster & Ingraham was formed 
by the admission of Deacon Elisha C. Brewster. The E. Ingraham Co. 
was formed in 1881, and the present immense plant is the outgrowth 
of good business management and excellence of product. He died in 
1885. 

DANIEL PIDCOCK. 

Was born in Sheffield, England, July 10, 1823, where he learned 
the saw trade. He came to the United States in 1847, and worked for 
R. Hoe & Co. and Henry Disston, in New York and Philadelphia, coming 
to Unionville and then to Bristol in 1862, where he remained during 
the rest of his life, except four years spent in British Columbia, on the 
Pacific coast. He was employed by the Atkins Saw Co., the Porter 
Saw Co., and E. O. Penfield. In 1848 he married Sarah A. Hales, of 
Brooklyn, N. Y., by whom he had three children, only one of whom 
is now living, Mrs. Ida May McGar, of Prospect street. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



499 




ELIAS INGRAHAM. 



DANIEL I'lUCuCK. 




ELISHA MANROSS. 

Was born in Bristol, May 11, 179L', and V)ecame one of the pioneers 
of 'brass clock-making in America, making the first jeweled movements 
ever made here. He was a Captain in the war of 1812, and commanded 
a company of one. hundred men to guard the coast at Fort Killingly. 
He was also Captain of the Bristol Artillery Company. He was a deacon 



500 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



and long a member of the Congregational Church in Bi'istol. Three 
of his sons were in the Civil War, Captain Xewton, Sergeant Elias^and 
John. He was an extensive land owner in Forestville, and conducted 
a large clock business. In 1821 he married Maria Cowles Notion. He 
died September 27. 1856. 




HIRAM C. THOMPSON. 

Tlae subject of this sketch was born in Bristol, October 25, 1830. 
He came of Revolutionary stock, his grandfather and great grandfather 
having been soldiers in the patriot army during the war for independ- 
ence. His grandmother reached the remarkable age of one hundred 
years, two months, and twenty-three days. 

He was educated in the common school and academy in his native 
town. At the age of thirteen, having been in school continuously from 
the age of three and one half, he obtained permission of his parents to 
enter one of the shops and learn clock making. He continued this 
employment a year for two dollars a week, working eleven hours per 
day. He then gladly resumed his studies, attending the academy until 
he was sixteen. At that age he again entered a clock factory, and after 
working in various shops in Bristol and elsewhere, he entered the employ 
of Noah Pomeroy in July, 1862. He was soon promoted to the fore- 
manship of the business, and held this position until he bought out 
Mr. Pomeroy, November 20, 1878. He carried on the business until 
his death . 

Mr. Thompson joined the Bristol Congregational Church in 1849, 
and was during the remainder of his life one of its most active and zealous 
members. He was for many years interested in the Y. M. C. A. work, 
and served one year as its president. 

In politics Mr. Thompson was a Republican, standing with that 
party from its birth, and was a member of the First Republican Town 
Committee. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



501 




GEORGE S. HULL, M. D. 

George S. Hull, M. D., was born in Burlington, Conn., March 31, 
1847, where he received a common school education. He attended the 
Connecticut Literary Institute at Suffield, Conn., taking a preparatory 
course before entering the Yale Medical College, where he spent one 
year. Later he attended a course of lectures at the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons in New York, and graduated from the New York Homeo- 
pathic Medical College in the spring of 1872. 

On October 23, 1883, he was one of the charter members of Ethan 
Lodge, K. of P., of Bristol, Conn., and its first Past Chancellor. He 
was instrumental in forming the Hull Division, No. 5, Uniformed Rank 
K. of P. The same year, at their first field day held in Hartford, he was 
elected surgeon of the First Regiment, which office he held until 1890, 
when he was appointed surgeon of the Second Regiment. A few weeks 
later he received the appointment of Assistant Surgeon-General on 
Brigadier General E. F. Durand's staff. In 1888 he was appomted 
G. M. A. at the Grand Lodge session of that year; in 1889 was elected 
G. P.; in 1890 was made Grand Vice Chancellor; in 1891, at the Grand 
Lodge session held at WalUngford in February, was elected Grand 
Chancellor, and was obligated in the Supreme Lodge at its session in 
Washington. 

On March 27, 1872, he located in Bristol, Conn., where he was con- 
tinuous in the practice of his profession until his death. 

In the spring of 1872 he became a member of Frankhn Lodge, F. and 
A. M. of Bristol, Conn., and early in the next year of Pequabuck Chapter. 
He was also a member of the Doric Council of New Britain, Conn. In 
1888 he joined the Washington Commandery, Knight Templars, of 
Hartford, and later was made a member of Pyramid Temple of The 
Mystic Shrine of Bridgeport. During 1889 he became a thirty-second 
Scottish Rite Mason of the Sovereign Consistory of Norwich, Conn. 



502 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




WALES A. CANDEE. 

Son of Woodruff Candee, a well-known farmer of Chippen's Hill, 
was born in Oxford, in 1825. When ten or twelve years of age he went 
to sea as a cabin boy with his uncle, and visited all parts of the globe. 
At twenty-five he was a gold seeker in the California mines for two or 
three years, when he took up dentistry, and became a very skillful dentist. 
He returned to Bristol, and practiced his profession. During the war 
and afterward he traveled extensively as a magnetic healer. In 1869 
he built the "Blue Cottage" on Prospect street, where his office was 
located. For many years he was in partnership with his pupil. Dr. 
F. L. Wright. He was twice married, and his widow survived him. 
He died July 24, 1883. 



SAMUEL P. NEWELL. 

Was born in Scott's Swamp District, Farmington, November 16, 
1823, the son of Roger Newell, an honest, intelligent fanner of that 
place. He was graduated from the Yale Law School, and selected 
Bristol as his residence, where he became the leading lawyer for many 
years. He was married to Martha J. Brewster, in 1854, to whom five 
children were born, his son, Roger S. Newell, Judge of Probate, succeed- 
ing to his father's practice and partnership with the late John J. Jen- 
nings. He died suddenly, much regretted, in 1888. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



503 




SAMUEL P. NEWELL. 




CHARLES S. BAILEY. 

Charles S. Bailey was born in Thompson, Conn., February 20, 
1811. At nineteen years of age he removed to Bristol and as an ap- 
prentice to the joiner trade, first worked upon the house owned by the 
late E. O. Goodwin and used by Pastor Leavenworth as the Congre- 



504 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



gational parsonage. His next work was upon the present Congrega- 
tional Church. In 1836, Mr. Bailey was married to Louisa Peck of 
this town. An acre of land was purchased by him near the head of 
Main street and on this he erected one of the first houses on Main street. 
Mr. Bailey was sexton of the Congregational Church and served for a 
number of years as night watchman at the factory of the Bristol Manu- 
facturing Company. In 1866, Mr. and Mrs. Bailey celebrated the 
fiftieth anniversary of their wedding. Mr. Bailey died August 23, 
1890. 




JOHN J. JENNINGS. 

Cut loaned by the Bristol Press. 

Was born at Bridgeport, in 1835; died in Bristol, April 1, 1900. 
Graduated from Yale in 1876. Taught school in Bristol and elsewhere 
for a few years. Studied law with the late Samuel P. Newell. Was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1882 and practiced law till his death. He married 
Elizabeth Naomi Newell, the daughter of his preceptor and partner. 
Mr. Jennings had attained a large practice in the State and United 
States courts. He always took a great interest in education and was 
Acting School Visitor for many years. He left two sons at his death, 
Newell Jennings and John Joseph Jennings. 



'or new CAMBRIDGE." 505 




JOHN BIRGE. 

The subject of our sketch is the son of John Birge of Torrington, 
Conn., and was born in that town in the year of 1785. Having com, 
pleted his education, he was taught the trade of a carpenter and builder- 
and assisted in the building of Harwinton church. 

Removing later to Bristol, he commenced business in the town 
as a wagon builder, in the north part of the town, near the Sheldon 
Lewis place, and also as a practical farmer, owning an extensive farm 
adjoining the Gad Lewis farm and taking special interest in agricultural 
work until his death. He carried on the wagon business for a number 
of years and was very successful. 

He afterwards purchased the patent of the rolHng-pinion eight- 
day brass clocks, and having purchased the old woolen factory in the 
east part of the town, a portion of which afterwards was used by the 
Codling Mfg. Co., he commenced to manufacture clocks which made 
for him a reputation throughout the United States and Europe. He 
sent out peddlers to the south and west and a very extensive busi- 
ness was done. Quite a number of these clocks are to be found in 
Bristol today. He continued in the clock business and farming until 
a few years previous to his death. 

In politics he was an Old Whig, and was a very active politician. 
He also served in the War of 1812. From his first coming to Bristol 
until his death, in 1862, he was a member of the Congregational Church. 



NATHAN L. BIRGE. 

Nathan L. Birge, the son of John Birge, was born at his fathers 
farm in Bristol, August 7, 1823; was educated and graduated from the 
High School, Bristol, and entered Yale College at the age of sixteen 
years. 

After leaving college he was engaged for two years as- teacher in 
the Albany Academy. Among his pupils were the Rev. Morgan Dix, 
General Massey and also the son of Secretary Seward. He afterwards 
entered the law office of Stevens & Cagger, Albany, where he studied 



506 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



law. Later he entered into partnership in a dry-goods store in New 
York. On the death of one of the partners this business was given up. 
He then went to London, England, to superintend the clock business 
there for his father, a very extensive trade being done both in England 
and France. He returned in 1848 and joined a gentleman on a trading 
expedition with the Indians on the Arkansas river, dealing in furs, skins 
and general merchandise, and succeeded in doing quite a large business 
with them. 

In 1849 he started out for the gold mines in California, traveling 
overland. This journey, which occupied seven months, was of a varied 
description. The party had to swim across the Colorado river about 
ten times; all their baggage had to be taken across on rafts. Arriving 
at San Francisco the place was besieged with miners, and finding that 
food and ever}^ requisite was ver}' scarce and expensive, he decided to 
spend the winter on the island of Hawaii. He returned to the mines 
in California in the spring and spent the summer in the gold mines, 
after which he came home, settled in Bristol, and commenced business 
at the knitting factory, which was carried on at the north side of the 
town, assisted by his two sons, John and George W., under the name 
of N. L. Birge & Sons. 

Mr. Birge married Adeline, daughter of Samuel B. Smith of Bristol. 
The members of the family are John, Ellen S., George W. and Frederick 
Norton; none now living except Ellen S. 

Mr. N. L. Birge was vice-president of the National Bank of which 
he was one of the original corporators; a director of the Savings Bank; 
and vice-president of the Bristol Water Company. He died October 
29th, 1899. 




HON. JOHN BIRGE. 

Son of Nathan L. and Adeline M. Birge, was bom August 25, 1853; 
began his education in the common schools and finished with an academic 
course at the Lake Forest Academy, Lake Forest, 111. Active business 
early engaged his attention. For this he had predilections and uncommon 
ability. He'^was a member of the firm of N. L. Birge & Sons, one of 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 607 

the leading manufacturers of Bristol. He was always active in politics; 
was Senator for the Fourth district, and has been a member of the Re- 
publican state central committee for the' Fourth district. In this im- 
portant place he discharged his duties with great efliciency, being( an 
excellent judge of men and means. He was a believer in pure politics 
and also in the young men's movement. He was president of the Yotmg 
Men's Republican Club, which is associated with the state league and 
was chairman of the Republican town committee for several terms. 

He is a descendant in the tenth generation from the author of our 
New England system of town and municipal government, the Rev. 
Thomas Hooker, settler and first minister at Hartford in 1636. Senator 
Birge is also descended in the eighth' generation from William Smith, 
a settler at Huntington, L. I. and again through the maternal line, in 
the ninth generation, from George Smith of the New Haven colony of 
1638, and Theophilus Smith, who was a soldier in the Revolution. He 
is also a descendant of Samuel Terry, who made and put in the large 
wooden clock in the steeple of the Congregational church, Bristol. The 
Birges are descended from the Puritans, who came over on or about the 
time of the Mayflower. 

Senator Birge married Miss M. Antoinette Roote, daughter of S. E. 
Root of Bristol, in 1874. She died April 25, 1891, leaving four children, 
Adeline, Nathan R., Marguerite and J. Kingsley, all of whom are living. 
In 1893, Senator Birge married M. Louise Loomis, of Portsmouth, New 
Hampshire. He died October 20, 1905. 



GEORGE W. BIRGE. 

The third child and second son of N. L. and Adeline M. Birge, was 
born in Bristol, June 8, 1870; gradviated from the High School, Bristol, 
and afterwards went through a course at Huntsinger's Business College, 
Hartford. He prepared for Yale but was unable to enter on account 
of weakness of eyes. He married Eva May Thorpe, October, 1898. A 
daughter Rachel, was born September 8, 1899. He continued as Sec- 
retary of company up to the time of his death, September 22, 1901. 

In 1893 he was admitted partner in the firm of N. L. Birge & Sons, 
of which he was the junior member. 



NATHAN R. BIRGE. 

The eldest son of Senator John Birge was born in Bristol, in Jime, 
1877. He graduated from the Bristol High School in 1896, and was a 
student at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He then went to 
Lynn and now occupies a responsible position with the General Electric 
Company, Schenectady, N. Y. He is also president of the N. L. Birge 
& Sons Company. He was married September 14, 1904, to Bertha 
Elizabeth Haight, of Schenectady, A son, John Cornell, was bom No- 
vember 3, 1905. 

After the death of Geo. W. Birge, Wilham F. Stone, Jr. who has 
been with the company since its incorporation was elected Secretary 
to fill his place and continued in this capacity until the death of John 
Birge when he was elected Treasurer and General Manager which position 
he holds at the present time. 



508 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 




HENRY ALEXANDER MITCHELL. 

Was boi-n in Bristol. Nov. 25, 1805. His father was Thomas Mit- 
chell, son of William, the founder of the family. He graduated from 
Yale, the Military Institute at Norwich, Vt., and the famous law school 
at Litchfield, where he was a classmate of John C. Calhoun. He was 
admitted to the bar, and became a judge of the Superior Court and repre- 
sented his town in both houses of the Legislature. He edited the Hart- 
fordiTimes during the campaign of 1840, and sold it to Mr. Burr, the 
famous editor of that journal. He was a faithful member of the Episco- 
pal Church, a man of good judgment, and strict integrity of character. 
He died March 17, 1888. 



LEVERETT GRIGGS. 

Born in Tolland, November 17, 1808, died January 28, 1883. Dr. 
Griggs was a graduate of Yale College, and tutor there for two years, 
and many years later received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from 
his alma mater. His first pastorate was in North Haven, then in New 
Haven, Millbury and Bristol. He was pastor of the First Congregational 
Church of Bristol for fourteen years. He then was compelled by failing 
health to relinquish his charge. He was much interested in the public 
schools and after partially regaining his health, was acting school visitor 
in Bristol for ten years. Dr. Griggs was a very lovable man, and seemed 
to take every one that came to Bristol into his smiles. He was endeared 
alike to people of all religious faith. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



509 




DR. LEVERETT GRIGGS. 




WILLIAM CLAYTON. 

A native of Sheffield, England, served an apprenticeship of seven 
years at the cutler's trade. He came to America in 1849, and worked 
for the John Russell Cutlery Co., of Massachusetts. In 1866 he came 



510 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



to Whigville, where he occupied a part of the D. E. Peck factory, in the 
manufacture of table knives. He came to Bristol six months after- 
ward and established the business now conducted by his sons on Union 
street. In 1875 the shop was built on the site of the old drum shop, 
which plant was enlarged, and occupied until it was destroyed by fire. 
The old Waters' shop was also occupied by them, and that being burned' 
the present shop was erected. Since the death of the father, in 1883, 
the business has been conducted by his sons under the firm name of 
Clayton Brothers. 




GEORGE JOHN SCHUBERT. 

Was born in Bavaria, Germany, October 2, 1836, and became a 
resident of Bristol in 1853, holding for years the position of contractor 
in the works of the E. Ingraham Co. He served in the army during 
the Civil War, and was an Orderly Sergeant in Company I, Twenty- 
fifth C. V. He became a member of the Grand Army, of which he was 
Commander; organized with George H. Hall, George Merriman and 
George C. Hull, Ethan Lodge, K. of P., which was long known as under 
the rule of the Georges; and was also an Odd Fellow. In whatever 
he undertook he put the whole energy of his nature, and no more faithful 
or efficient member, in any position to which he was called, ever entered 
a lodge room. He died, respected by all, December 31, 1901. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



511 




THOMAS BARNES, JR. 




LOT NEWELL, DIED 1864. 



NAOMI, WIFE OF LOT NEWELL. 



512 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




WALTER ADAMS. 

Was born in Wethersfield, May 3, 1810. Died at Bristol, June 22 
1880, where he had spent the greater part of his life. He was identified 
with the clock business in Bristol during his residence here, except 
while serving his country in the Civil War. He led a quiet, peaceful 
and industrious life, and was much respected for his candbr and in- 
tegrity of character. For many years' he worked for Chauncey Board- 
man, and later for the Atkins Clock Company. 



THOMAS BARNES. 

Was born in Bristol, August 1, 1773, married Rosanna Lewis in 
1798, by whom he had two children, Eveline, who became Mrs. Dr. 
Charles Byington; and Alphonso. His second wife was Lucy Ann 
Candee. He was a merchant and manufacturer, building a factory 
on the site of the present Dunbar factory, and made carriages. He 
was instrumental in opening Main street to the river, at his own expense, 
and built a button shop on the ground now occupied by Cook's baker}-. 
It is little realized how much of Bristol's prosperity is due to the energy 
of Thomas Barnes, and a few others, possessed of the true Yankee spirit 
of enterprise and thrift. We do well to honor their memory. He rep- 
resented the town in 1826. He died in 1855. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



513 



'ij^^'' 




WILLIAM RUSH RICHARDS. 

William Rush Richards was born October i6, 1816, in a log cabni 
in Peru, N. Y. When he was very young his father, who was a gold- 
smith, died, and at eight he was bound out to a farmer in Harwinton, 
Conn. At sixteen he was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade, and 
at the completion of his apprenticeship went to St. Louis, and later to 
St. Paul, where he worked at his trade. At the end of two years he 
came East. When he reached Chicago he found a village consisting of 
14 houses. September 26, 1840, he was married to Sarah C. Champion, 
in Winsted, and soon after removed to Bristol, and was employed in 
the clock business ; afterward becoming a partner in the hrm of Birge, 
Peck & Co. During his last, years he was emploj-ed by Welch, Spring 
& Co. His death occurred March 15, 1885, and his only son, William C. 
Richards, survived him. 



514 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




WILLIAM CHAMPION RICHARDS. 

One of the best known residents of Bristol, and one who was inter- ■ 
ested in all that pertained to Bristol, his native place, past, present or 
future, died suddenly on the evening of March 6, 1908, of apoplex3^ He 
had just started for his office and stopped a moment to talk to Henry 
B. Cook, a life-long friend, and passed on a few steps, when Mr. 
Cook saw him supporting himself by a tree, hurried to his assistance, 
and reached him just as he sank lifeless to the pavement. 

Mr. Richards was born in Bristol, August 3, 1845. He was educated 
in the common schools of the town, and at Eastman's Business College, 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and was a veteran of the Civil War, serving in a 
New Jersey regiment. For many years he was engaged in mercantile 
pursuits, as merchant and salesman, and for nearly thirty years as a 
physician in company with Dr. F. H. Williams. 

Mr. Richards devoted much of his leisure to the study of micro.^copy, 
and had a fine collection of diatoms and other microscopic specimens. 
He was an enthusiastic local historian, and also a collector of Indian 
and other relics, taking great interest in the historical collection of the 
Bristol Historical Society, one of the best collections in the state, due 
largely to his untiring energy in its behalf. 

He was the owner of considerable remunerative real estate near the 
center of the borough, and part owner of the four-story block in which 
his office was situated. He was a member of the Masonic Fraternity, 
and of Gilbert W. Thompson Post, G. A. R. 

Mr. Richards was for many years a staunch Spiritualist, and a man 
of very pronounced opinions, ready at all times to give a reason for the 
faith that was in him. No man living, probably, enjoyed the perpetra- 
tion of a practical joke upon some one, in a harmless way, than he, and 
some of his escapades will long be remembered by his more intimate 
friends. He was married in 1870, to ]\Iiss Lizzie Graham, who survives 
him, as do four children: Nathan B., of South Manchester; Mrs. Morti- 
mer Clarke, and Mrs. Charles T. Treadway, both of Bristol ; and Miss 
"Christine, of Maryland. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



515 




WILLIAM GAYLORD. 

William Gaylord, son of Billy* Gaylord, was born in Burlington;. 
Conn., 1819. His father engaged in the manufacture of cloth in Bur- 
lington in the year 1826. William was thus early trained in all of the 
branches of cloth-making and succeeded his father in the business about 
the year 1850, where he remained until 1864. In 1865 he removed to 
Bristol, and there spent the remainder of his life. For twenty-four years- 
he performed the duties of sexton in the West Cemetery. 



-This was not a nickname, but his full name. 



516 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

AUTO TRAGEDY. 

[* From the Bristol Press, August 22, 1907.] 

During its thirty-six years of activity the Press has chronicled 
many sorrowful events, but not in all its history has it been called upon 
to record so sad and tragic an affair as that in which Charles J. Root, 
his aged mother and aunt were killed and his sister fatally injured. 

No happier party, comprising Charles Root, his mother, Catherine 
R. Root, Miss Mary P. Root, Miss Candace Roberts and Miss Catherine 
Root, a fourteen years old niece, left Bristol last Sunday, Aug. 18, 1907. 
and not many people enjoyed automobile riding so much as these 
people. 

They were bound for the Berkshire Hills in Massachusetts. A few 
hours later the family was practically annihilated, only the little girl 
escaping. 

The accident constitutes the most tragic and sorrowful one in the 
annals of automobiling in this country, and Bristol was saddened as 
it has never been before. The news of the disaster was so overwhelm- 
ing that it was some time before it was given credence. The people 
whose lives were so suddenly obliterated had for years been so active 
in so many ways in the life of Bristol that their deaths brought keenest 
grief to almost the entire community. 

The party left here soon after nine o'clock Sunday morning. Mr. 
Root and Miss Roberts occupied the front seat of the big Stanley steam 
touring car. The other three were on the rear seat. The route led 
through Torrington and Norfolk which was reached about noon. From 
there the route was to Ashley Falls in Massachusetts. Near the 
Ashley Falls station the fine, hard highway runs parallel with the rail- 
road tracks for perhaps a mile and is only a few feet distant. While 
the Root automobile was speeding along this road an overdue express 
train came in sight at terrific speed. The highway crosses the track 
at an abrupt angle. Express train and auto reached the fatal cross- 
ing almost at the same moment. Just how it happened can never be 
known but the automobile struck the train, probably the baggage car, 
a glancing blow and was instantaneously and coinpletely wrecked. 
The occupants were hurled out with awful force, apparently striking 
their heads against the train, and were then carried some distance. 
All were frightfulh^ mangled. Mr. Root and Miss Roberts were killed 
instantly. Mrs. Root had her skull fractured and died while being 
taken to Great Barrington. Miss Root had her skull fractured and 
her right shoulder crushed. She was removed to the House of Mercy 
in Pittsfield. 

The only one to escape was Miss Catherine Root, and the manner 
in which she came through the crash is little short of miraculous. She 
was buried beneath the wreckage of the machine which for some un- 
accountable reason did not take fire. She was taken to the home of a 
friend in Great Barrington. She was dazed but appeared not to be 
seriously hurt, and was brought to the home of her parents, here, Mr. 
and Mrs. Theodore Root, on Monday. 

The train, which was in charge of Engineer Arthur Strong and Con- 
ductor Williain Jaqua, stopped and all possible assistance was given. 
Medical aid was quickly secured, and all that was possible was done. 
The knowledge of the accident was received by Frederick C. Norton to 
whom a telegram was sent asking him to notify the relatives. Mr. 
Norton had declined an invitation to accompany the party. The tele- 
gram was received at half past one o'clock. Within an hour Represent- 
ative A. F. Rockwell and wife and Mr. Norton went to the scene in Mr. 
Rockwell's automobile. Soon after Dr. A. S. Brackett, W. H. Bacon 
and R. A. Potter, a cousin of Mr. Root, also went to the place in Mr. 
Bacon's auto, and took charge of the bodies, which were cared for and 
brought to the home here Tuesday inorning. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



517 




CHARLES J. ROOT. MISS MARV P. ROOT. MISb CaNUACK ROBERTS. 

mrs. joel h. root, 
"fritz"' 

This photo was taken by John Berkin, June, 1906. on the lawn of the Root home. The 
dog "Fritz" was a great pet and died about August 1st, 190"). 



518 BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 

It was the saddest home coining ever known here. There were few 
dry eyes among those who gathered at the station when the caskets 
arrived and were taken to the desolated home. 

The passengers on the train, among whom was Fred H. Barnes, a 
son of Seth Barnes of Bristol, heard the crash and reaUzed that an acci- 
dent had happened. 

The only eye-witnesses, aside from the engineer and firemen, were 
two young girls Josephine and Anna Tinkever, who live near the cross- 
ing. Their testimony is not very clear. The engineer insists that he 
repeatedly blew his whistle to give warning of the crossing. 

Miss Catherine Root, when able to talk about the affair, said that 
no one in the car had the least intimation of danger and she can recall 
only a sudden collapse, the cause of which she cannot realize. 

Mr. Root, as well as his sister and mother, were extremely deaf. 
He was a skilled operator of his machine and often ran it at high speed, 
but his friends had entire confidence in his ability to control it. He had 
met with minor accidents, but never showed any inclination to avoid 
responsibility and always showed consideration for others who might 
be inconvenienced. He was an enthusiast and loved his machine as 
most men do their spirited horses. On this fatal trip the canopy was 
on the machine, and the gasoline tank whistle was out of order, making 
a continuous noise. His friends are confident that he never for a mo- 
ment realized his danger and turned for the crossing, dashed into the 
train and to the death which came to him, without warning. They say 
that had he known his imminent danger he could and would have kept 
a straight course and taken his chances with the fence and bank into a 
meadow. 

Miss Mary P. Root, who sustained a fractured, skull, broken shoulder 
and other injuries, was removed at once to the House of Mercy in Pitts- 
field where she died without regaining consciousness. 

Miss Root was one of Bristol's most talented women. She was a 
graduate of Vassar, class of '80, and was known all about the state and 
New England as a prominent D. A. R. worker. 

At the time of her death Miss Mary P. Root had a biography of 
Gideon Roberts in preparation for this work, and her article, "The 
Founders and Their Homes," appears on page 193. 

The family was one of the best known in town. Its members have 
long been prominent in business, social, religious and intellectual affairs. 
The father of Charles and Mary, was Joel Henry Root. He was born in 
Broadalbin, near Saratoga, N. Y., December 5, 1822. He was the third 
son of Samuel Root, an elder in the Presbyterian church of Mayfield, 
N. Y., and Philotheta Ives of Bristol, Conn. 

On the early death of his parents, he came, a boy of five years, to 
live in Bristol, in the home of his uncle, Joel Root, whose wife was Piera 
Ives, the sister of the young Joel's mother. His grandparents, Amasa 
and Huldah Shaylor Ives were among the earliest settlers in Bristol 
and lived on Federal Hill. His grandfather, Moses Root of Meriden, 
was a soldier in the Revolution, enlisting when only seventeen years of 
age, who married at the close of the war, Esther Mitchell, daughter of 
Moses Mitchell, of Meriden. '■ 

Joel H. Root's boyhood was spent partly in Bristol and partly in 
Whitesborough, N. Y. In the latter place he attended the Oneida 
Institute of Science and Industry, an institution founded in 1827, per- 
haps the first school in the country established "to blend productive 
manual laber with a course of study." Before he was thirty he went 
into business for himself. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



519 



In 1867 he bought the land known as the Island, and erected there 
a factory where, for the remainder of his life, he engaged in the manu- 
of piano hardware and of brass butt hinges.* 

Mr. Root was married, August 4, 1852, to Catherine Roberts, daugh- 
tor of Wyllys, and granddaughter of Gideon Roberts, and in 1859, he 
purchased the property on High street which has ever since been the 
home of the family. He died April 11, 1885. 

His children were Charles J., and Theodore, and Miss Mary P. Root. 
The home on High street was a delightful one and many warm friends 
enjoyed its charming hospitality. 




THE ROOT FACTORY ON ROOT S ISLAND. 



R. N. Blakeslee of the Bridgeport Post writes to the Press as fol- 
lows : — 

"The news of the shocking death of Charles J. Root, his inother 
and aunt has cast a heavy pall of gloom over every one who has known 
this estimable family. To the writer the death of Charles J. Root is 
especially saddening. I remember him more intimately of course dur- 
ing our childhood and young manhood days. As school chums we were 
inseparable and our vacation days were spent together. Charlie, as we 
always called hiin, was a splendid fellow, always cheerful and full of 
fun. He was upright, clean and a perfectly inoral young inan, and a 
true friend. These qualities won for him a host of friends. The attach- 
ments formed in our younger days have always remained although for 
more than twenty years we have been but little in each other's com- 
pany. We bow in humble submission to the "Reaper" who respects 
no human ties and in silent prayer seek that preparation which is need- 
ful in the hour of human extremitv." 



"After Mr, Root's death the business was formed into a joint stock company. 



520 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



MRS. CATHERINE ROBERTS ROOT. 

The death of Mrs. Catherine Roberts Root, although she had lived 
the alloted age and was eighty years old last January, brought the great- 
est sorrow to the scores of friends in Bristol who had known and loved 
the woman for many years. Her life was one of great profit to those 
who knew her, and their remembrance of the fine old lady will be a 
precious heritage in the future. Few women have lived in this or any 
other community who possessed the rare qualities of character that 
graced Mrs. Root. Born in Bristol, she was the daughter of Wyllys 
Roberts, a substantial resident of this town, and the granddaughter of 
Gideon Roberts, who, coming home from the Revolutionary War hung 
up his old gun and powder horn and started the great American clock 
industry. He it was who first manufactured clocks in the town of Bris- 
tol, and he usually made up enough during the winter season to last him 
on a trip through the Southern states in the summer ; and this small sized 
industry started away back in the eighteenth century is what developed 
into the great clock factories of the Ingrahams and the Sessions to-day. 
All honor is due the memory of Gideon Roberts ; and Bristol will not 
soon forget his work here. 

Mrs. Root spent all of her long life here and Bristol was glad she 
did, for few women have lived in the town who possessed more gentle 
manners and solidity of character and intellectual attainments. Her edu- 
cation was obtained in Bristol and in early womanhood she taught school 
in different places, one of which was in the town of Simsbury where she 
"boarded around" as was the custom in those days. Her success as a 
teacher was eminently successful. She was a great reader of books all 
her long life, and although she did not receive a college education she 
had a fund of knowledge that would reflect credit in a graduate of Vas- 
sar or Wellesley. 

In 1852 she was married to Joel H. Root, for many years one of the 
solid and prominent business men of the town. They moved into ilia 
house on High street in 1859, where they have lived ever since and which 
was one of the very first houses to be built on that street. Several ciiil- 
dren were born to the couple and their married life was an extremely 
happy and successful one. Her husband died in the spring of 1885 and 
her son Charles, then only a young man, took hold where his father left 
of¥ and not only increased the estate left by the elder Root, but made one 
for himself as well. 

Mrs. Root was a talented and thoroughly intellectual woman. Among 
those well qualified to judge she was considered a person of acute and 
unusual intelligence; her knowledge of history and philosophy was ac- 
curate and complete, while the general fund of knowledge she always pos- 
sessed was of the character that embraced a \yide range of polite litera- 
ture and political history. It was a pleasure to sit and talk with the rare 
old lady on any of these subjects and hear from a woman who had not 
been able herself to read a book for a dozen years or more, her opinions 
of current topics and recent books. Her daughter and Miss Roberts, her 
sister^ used to read to her hours at a time as she was unable to do so 
herself on account of failing eyesight. 

Mrs. Root's life will be long remembered. Her dignified manners 
and thoroughly lovable Christian character will long be the pride of thoie 
who were fortunate enough to be her close and intimate friends. Of 
great or famous deeds, this woman did none; but the simple story of her 
fine, noble life is enough to inspire a love for the things that amount to 
something in this life. 



'new CAMBRIDGE." 521 



CHARLES J. ROOT. 

Charles J. Root was born in Bristol 48 years ago. He had long been 
identified with Bristol's manufacturing business and mercantile interests. 
Early in life he assumed the management of the factory on Root's Is- 
land and developed a profitable business in making automatic counters, 
piano hinges and novelties. Only a few days ago he let the contract for 
a new brick factory to Messrs. Fogg and Currie. In recent years he 
had given a good deal of attention to real estate tnatters and had done 
much to develop the town. Some years ago when the street grades were 
changed at Gridley House corner, after a long railroad fight, he purchased 
the Gridley House property and spent thousands of dollars in remodeling 
it and conventing it into a modern building. 

Some years later he purchased the old Ebers building and site ad- 
joining the Gridley House, tore down, the ram shackle wooden buildings 
and erected one of the finest business blocks in town, as well as in this 
section. 

One of his earliest enterprises in the building line was the erection 
of the Grand Army Hall on North Main street. In addition he owned 
a number of houses on the Island and other property about town. 

Mr. Root's activities were many and far reaching. Quite a number of 
years ago he became interested in orange growing in Florida and had a 
fine grove and winter home in Rockledge, Florida, where he, with the 
family, spent portions of nearly every winter. He was also one of the 
early promoters of Sachem's Head, where he had an attractive summer 
home. He was greatly interested in mining enterprises, especially in 
Butte, Montana. He was one of the heavy stockholders and a director 
in the Raven Mine of that city. His interests included other mining 
properties to a considerable extent. Mr. Root was an enthusiastic auto- 
mobilist. He was one of the pioneers in that line here, and was one of 
the first to bring a machine into town. He was an auto expert and few 
men derived as much pleasure as he from one. He delightd in inviting 
friends to ride with him and share in the pleasure. He often took long 
runs about the country, always with members of his family or friends. 
While afiflicted with extreme deafness, his friends felt that he was an 
unusually competent operator because he seemed always to have good 
judgment and a clear head, as well as perfect control of his machine. 

While very active in business affairs, devoted to the town of his 
birth, and contributing much to its uplwilding, he cared little for po- 
litical or public life. His membership in Bristol organizations was con- 
fined to the Bristol Social Club and the Business Men's Association. 

Mr. Root had a comprehensive knowledge of and liking for me- 
chanics. Before he was twenty-one years of age he invented an auto- 
matic counter from which he realized considerable money, and which he 
manufactured afterwards. He possessed great determination as well as 
business acumen and his large fortune was made mostly within the past 
twelve years, by his own unaided efiforts. He handled his large business 
affairs with skill and ability, and had he lived a few years longer would 
undoubtedly have become one of the wealthiest men in town. 

He was modest and unassuming, and found his chief pleasure in his 
home life and in the company of his intimate friends. He had a keen 
sense of humor and was a delightful companion and host. His untimel}' 
death is a sad ending to a busy, useful life, and brings keen sorrow to 
many a heart. 



522 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 



MISS CANDACE ROBERTS. 

]Miss Candace Roberts, daughter of Wyllys Roberts, and sister of 
Mrs. Joel H. Root, was also a native of Bristol, and had spent most of 
her life in this town. She also received her education in the schools of 
Bristol and spent a good deal of her early life in teaching school. She 
taught successfully in East Haven and lived in that town for some years. 
Many years ago she removed to Bristol and has lived in the family of 
her sister. Mrs. Root, for the last thirty years. 

]Miss Roberts was a quiet, unassuming woman of fine tastes, good 
intelligence and an almost invaluable assistant to her afflicted sister. 
For many years Miss Mary Root and Mrs. Root were quite deaf, and 
during these years she had charge of the household. She had a lovable 
and attractive disposition and endeared herself to everybody with whom 
she came in contact. Her friends in Bristol were legion. She was a 
thoroughly good. Christian woman. 

She was a member of Katherine Gaylord Chapter, D. A. R., as licr 
grandfather was an officer in the Revolutionary War. She was a long 
time member of the local Congregational church, and also a member of 
the Delta Reading Club. She was interested in all the things that went 
for the advancement and intellectual culture of the town. 




RESIDENCE FREDERICK CALVIN NORTON, STEARNS STREET. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



523 



THE SCHOOLS OF BRISTOL 



BY MILO LEON NORTON 

\ \ 1 HE early history of the schools of Bristol is so thoroughly treated 
w I « in the various historical articles in this book, that more than a 
A brief mention is unnecessary. Quoting from an article written 
for the Bristol Alagazine, of November, 1906, it was there stated: 
"If it were asked what were the two leading traits of the Puritans 
who founded Connecticut, the answer would be: first, an all-pervading 
devotion to religion; second, a deep interest in education. Their first 
care was set up religious worship, and their next duty that of estab- 
lishing schools for the mental training of their youth. For the estab- 
lishment of these two institutions, the church and the school, they freelv 
taxed the slender resources at their command, and voluntarily and 

cheerfully bore the burdens incident to their maintenance 

In New Cambridge, after the establishment of the first ecclesiastical 
society in 1744, and the building of the first meeting-house, in 1747, it 
was voted, December 4, 1749, 'that [we] would have a school kept in 
this society six months, viz., 3 months by a master and 3 months by a 
dame. Josiah Lewis, Benjamin Gaylord, Joseph Adkins, and Caleb 
Abernethy, were chosen a committee to order the affair of said school.' 
This was the first actual school board of the town. It was not until 
1790 that a regular school board was organized and no official act of 
the board was recorded until 1796. In 1766, five districts were formed, 
and in 1798, Fall Mountain district was added to the number. In 1842, 




FEDERAL lULL SCHOOL. 



524 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




BRISTOL HIGH SCHOOL. 




PEACEABLE STREET SCHOOL AXU SCHOLARS. 1907 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



525 



thirteen districts, as they now exist with some modifications, wei-e 
organized and their boundaries defined." 

In 1854, the school board voted to consohdate Districts Nos. 1 
and 2, but upon the presentation of an urgent petition from the voters 
of J\o. 2, the vote was rescinded. Soon after Districts \os. 3 and 4 
were consohdated, and a new schoolhouse built, about 1856. This has 
been twice enlarged. The old schoolhouses of Districts 3 and 4 are 
still standing, remodeled; one occupied by Deborah Sanford, on West 
Street, the other by Thomas J. Lane, on South Street. 

At present there are eleven school districts, the number four having 
been omitted since the consolidation. The Copper Mine District has 
also been merged with the Edgewood, or ninth district. There was 
tabulated in the last annual report of the Board of School Visitors (1907), 
an enumeration of 2,682 children of school age in the town of Bristol. 
Of these 2,090 were registered at the various distinct schools, 437 attended 
private schools, including St. Joseph's parochial, and the German Luthe- 
ran schools, and 174 attended the High School. The total expense of 
conducting the public schools for one year, was given as $47,884.02. 
Deducting what was paid for books, apparatus and repairs to buildings, 
the actual expenses amounted to $43,772.18. Of this amount $25,68Q.15 
was paid from the proceeds of town taxation, $7,284.75 from the State, 
and other sources, the balance being made up by districts 1, 2, 3 and 13. 
The High School is conducted at an expense, in round numbers, of 
$10,000 per annum. 

The Board of School Visitors consists of Noble E. Pierce, chairman; 
Arthur S. Brackett, Mrs. Edson M. Peck, Carlton B. Ives, Michael B. 
O'Brien, Charles L. Wooding, Secretary. 

The Bristol High School was estabhshed in 1883, F. A. Brackett, 
Principal, graduating its first class in 1886. High School departments 
were also maintained in the schoolhouse of District No. 1 and at Forest- 
ville in the schoolhouse of No. 13. But the princpal school was that in 




sciioui. .\ I ri.\i; .stkeet cor.xeu. 



526 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



the No. 3 schoolhouse. The present, elegant High School building was 
erected in 1892. At first a spacious hall for entertainments, lectures, 
etc., was provided on the second floor, but as the attendance kept in- 
creasing it became necessary to fit up the hall as a schoolroom. At 
present the attendance is so large that the building is entirely inadequate 
for the needs of the school, and its enlargement is an imperative necessity, 
plans for which have been prepared by an architect, at an estimateed 
cost of $27,000. The present attendance is about 216, including pupils 
from out of town, and is increasing from year to year. 



SCHOOL DISTRICT No. 10 



BY MRS. DAVID BIRGE. 

vSchool District Xo. 10 of Bristol is situated in the western part of 
the town, adjoining the town of Plymouth. The boundary line between 
Bristol and Plymouth is also a part of the line between Hartford and 
Litchfield Counties. 

One square mile of this land was granted to three brothers bearing 
the name of Matthews. The schoolhouse is situated on the northwest 
corner where Matthew's and Hill streets cross. The original schoolhouse 
stood a few rods north of the present site, in a piece of heavy timber, 
where now is a smooth, nice meadow. 

Shall we go from the schoolhouse a few rods south to the Matthews' 
homestead, where a large family of boys and girls were trained in the 
rigid ways of our forefathers? One of the sons, inclined to oratory, 
found a dead fowl, and placing it upon a board, called an audience of 




SCHOOL HOUSE .AM) SClIOL.-\RS. DISTKKT XO. R). igOJ. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



527 



his brothers and sisters, then mounted the fence and took for his text 
the first chapter of bar- post and second hole. The father hstened to 
the remarks and exhortation (unknown to the youthful preacher), and 
at the close gave the boy a sound flogging for trifling with serious matters. 
Four generations of Matthews lived here, and about 1870 the property 
was sold to Mr. Eri Scott, who came with his small family from Meriden 
and lived in the old long-roofed lean-to house a few years, then built the 
house that is now owned and occupied by his daughter, Mrs. Willis 
Roberts, and her son Otis and family. 

Next south of the Matthews' place we come to the Lemuel Car- 
rington farm where Mr. Ezekiel Carrington, son of Lemuel, built the 
house that for many years was the home of Silas Carrington, who, tiring 
of our severe winters and wishing to make his home in Florida, sold the 
home of his ancestors to Reverend Farrel Martin of Waterbury. 

Down the street a few steps, and we come to a branch in the road; 
taking the right hand road we soon reach the old Litchfield and Hart- 
ford Turnpike and see the Captain Norton place, where our late towns- 
man, Mr. Augustine Norton, was raised with a large family of brothers 
and sisters. The Xortons moved awaj' and the place was rented. For 
a short time it was the home of a family by the name of Crittenden, 
then of the Lovelaces and Keeneys, and about 1848 was bought by Mr. 
Woodruff Candee of Harwinton. After the death of Mrs. Candee, in 
1892, the place was sold to Mr. C. C. W'eld, who now occupies it. 

Going west about a cjuarter of a mile we turn south from the "Pike" 




(1) Aaron C. Dresser, Mathews street; (2) At present used as 
lodgings for R. R. workmen; (3) John B. Mathews O, Edgar Wm. 
Cahoon R; (4) George Bresnahan R, Mathews street; (5) Mrs. Walter 
E. Cook O; (6) J. B. White R* (7) Michael Ristock, Perkins street, 
formerly the "Tommy" Roper Place, built by Nathaniel Mathews, 
about 1845; (8) Frank E. Pond O, Perkins street, once the Lehman 
Stevens Place. House built by Lehman Stevens; (9) Allen Manchester 
O, Elmer J. Stone R. Perkins street, formerly the Evits Hungerford 
Place, built by Harvilla Hart. 



528 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




, SILAS H. CARRINGTON. 

and soon reach the Barlow homestead, that for a lang time was the 
home of Mrs. Chloe Daniels and her sister, Mrs. Jane Culver, who sold 
to Mr. Anton Weigert, the present owner. 

West from here, over a crooked, hilly road, we come to the Ittai 
and Sally Curtis place, later the home of Mr. Miles Welton, who, when 
the road' was changed, built the new house on the knoll north of the 
old and nearer the new, straight road. The place changed owners often 
after Mr. Welton went west, and for a short time was the home of a Mr. 
Mc Williams, a contractor on the railroad that was building between 
Hartford and Waterbury. Mr. Amos Webster of Harwinton bought 
and occupied it several years. Later, a Mr. Birge was there, and Mr. 
Homer Cook of Terry ville. Mr. Amzi Clark and family lived there 
several years, then moved to Terryville, and soon the house burned 
down. The old house that was abandoned so many years ago has been 
repaired and is the comfortable home of a family of foreigners. 

North from here, and crossing the old turnpike, we come to another 
portion of the Matthews' property, owned for many years by Mr. Merri- 
man Matthews, then later by his daughter, Mrs. Henry Reed, who sold 
to Mr. Frank Mix who soon tired of fancy farming and sold to his tenant, 
Mr. John Tanner, and after a few years he moved to Plymouth, and a 
Mr. Sahlin bought and occupies it. North a few rods and west, we 
come to a house built by Mr. Horace Munson and now the property of 
Mr. Charles Barber. 

West from here and down a winding hill, we reach the last house 
in the west side of the district, as this stands near the Plymouth line 
which is a part of the Litchfield County line also. The house was built by 
Mr. Simeon Matthews, who was not a "carpenter and joiner" but planned 
his house, cut the trees, hewed out the frame and the men at the raising 
said the joints worked together and everything was as true as if a profes- 
sional brain and hand had done the work. I heard some one say only a 
few years ago, that the red paint on the house at that time was the paint 
that Mr. Matthews used when the house was built, but cannot certify 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 529 

to""the fact. Here a large family was raised, and of those who lived in 
this vicinity during their lives were our late townsman, David Matthews 
and his sister Betsy, the wife of Mr. Ira Churchill of Forestville. Several 
of the family moved to Illinois when young. The only living member 
of the family of twelve is Mrs. Eliza, widow of Mr. Harrison Elwell, who 
lives with her son Edwin in Worcester, Mass. After the death of Mr. 
Matthews his widow married Mr. Cyrus Gaylord, and the following 
nuptial agreeiTient was made between them. 

Mr. Samuel Benham bought the place and after his death it became 

sjAti /*> ^ G^lri^y. c^'yia^ t^y-^t-r-i-j Q^^/'^^''-'^ ff G'^^y^'Tn^x^SZi'' 
c;//?// cn^tfC ^Vi^ <^ 7i£e^-7ny My»~^£' -n-O^ "^ C^aA-^ri^ £€t<iX »^ ^t 0t j 

FAC SIMILE MARRI.\GE AGREEMENT BETWEEN MR. CYRUS GAYLORD AND 
MRS. MATHEWS. 

the propertv, by inheritance, of Mrs. Horace Munson; and now it is 
owned by Mr. J. J. Jee. 

We shall have to turn and retrace our way back to the Merriman 
Matthew's corner, then down the hill towards the east to the Isaac Shel- 
ton place, said to have been a resting place for Tories. Later it was the 
home of Mr. Thomas Mitchell, the father of Judge Henry Mitchell, late 
of Bristol, then of Mr. Eli Elv of Harwinton, and after his death the 
place was bought by Mr. Levi Moulthrop, and now is owned and occupied 
by Mr. Chauncey Atwood. A new house across the road frorn the old 
is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gaylord, Mrs. Gaylord being a daughter 
of Mr. Atwood. A little way east and we are at the schoolhouse corners 
once more. Shall we cross Hill street aiid go towards town until we 
reach the top of the long hill where in winter we get a fine view of Bradley 
Heights and the houses in that part of the town with the farther hills? 

Here we find a house that was a carpenter's shop on the Darrow 
place, directly north of its present location. It was bought and moved 
across the fields to this place and made into a dwelling house by Henry 
Reeder, an Englishman. After his death it had several tenants and 
is now the property of Fred. Ristoch. Leaving the road we cross the 
fields towards the east, and come to a small house built by Mr. Nathaniel 
Matthews for his hired man, Tommie Roper, who was one of the first 
Irishmen that came to Bristol to work in th^ copper mine. He tired of 
mining and farming and for several years was a handy man at the rail- 
road station, depot it was called then. Mr. Michael Ristoch is the 
present owner. 

Passing through the woods north of Mr. Ristoch's a half mile or 
less we come to a road leading west, where stands the Darrow place. 
The old house was on the south side of the street, but one of the sons, 
Mr. William Darrow, a carpenter and joiner, built the new house about 
1834, on the north side, "facing the sun," and built it for the use and 
comfort of his family. Here a large family of boys and girls grew up, 
and Mr. Burritt Darrow of Norfolk, Conn., is the only one living. For 
jourteen years Mr. Williams Darrow was the first selectman of Bristol, 



530 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



and North Main street was laid out and built under his administration. 
When Mr. Darrow was arranging to sell his place Mr. Sylvester Saxton, 
who helped build the house, remarked to his wife that he knew how 
that house was built and would try and get it. He bought and moved 
there, and very soon died leaving two small boys who grew to manhood 
under the influence of a good mother. Our worthy townsman, Mr. 
F. A. Saxton, is the only surviving member of this family. Mrs. Saxton 
sold the place to Mr. Edson Downs and later it became the property 
of Mr. Fred. Hubbard, and the old pine tree gives it the name of Pine- 
hurst. 

Once more we will retrace our steps to the corner where was an old 
lean-to house that had never been painted and was past repairing, and 
had been the home of a family by the name of Woods. Mrs. Clara 
Woods, wife of Capt. Elijah Darrow of South street, was. one of the 
daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Leaman Stevens, familiarly known as Uncle 
Leaman and Aunt Celestia, lived in the old house several years, then 
built the house that is now standing. At their death it passed into the 




(10) Louis Lagase O, Hill street. The Sidney Hough Place; (11) 
Joseph Bleau O, Hill street. The Hiram Curtiss Place; (12) Wm. O. 
Miller O, Wm. Janecka R, Hill street. The Andrew Hough Place; (13) 
John Spielman C>, Hill street, The Stephen Russell Place; (14) Fred, 
Hellman O, Hill street, The Samuel Jones Place, was built by Mr. Jones 
and the original window panes were of American made glass, probably 
among the first used in Bristol; (15) Chas. Schroder O, built on the 
George Stone Place, known before that as the Hill Place, built on the 
site of Noble Hill's Clock Shop. This shop was afterwards altered into 
a dwelhng house; (16) Charles Tong O, Hill street, house was originally 
the boarding house at the Fall's Factory, later called (Satinet cotton 
warp and wool filling) Old Shovel Shop on the Terryville Road. Was 
moved to its present location by Nathaniel Mathews, and Hanford 
Pennoyer. This was located in the site of the widow Hill Place, by 
Thaddeus Bristol; (17) James McWilliams R, Charles Kat7,ung R, 
Hill street, built bv Harrison Gould, and then known as the Harrison 
Gould Place; (IS) Geo. N. Minor O, Hill street, built bv Mr. Daniel 
Hill. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



531 



possession of their nephew. Mr. Ira Gaylord, who sold to Mr. C. C. Welch, 
and he in turn sold to Mr. Forster, and now Mr. Frank Pond is the owner. 

Going north a few rods we find the Hungerford place, where Uncle 
Evits and Aunt Anna lived many years. Late in life, and warned by 
the infirmities of old age, they sold the dear old home to Mr. Harvilla 
Hart, and spent the remainder of their days with their daughter, Mrs. 
Lock wood Tuttle, who cheerfully ministered to their wants and com- 
forts. Mr. Hart built a new house and enlarged his farm, buying back 
the homestead of his parents (that had passed out of the Hart family), 
but joined the Hungerford farm on the east and north. He sold the 
place to Mr. Henry Pond and it was owned by his family until a year 
ago, when it was sold to the Manchester brothers. Just north of this 
place the road branches and we come to the land owned many years by 
the Hart family. Just east of Perkins street on the cross road through 
the Hoppers to Peacable street is an old cellar place, where once wac 
the Asel Hart home, and on Battle street, at the foot of the steep hill 
and on the east side of the way was an old lean-to house, the home of 
Mr. Seth Hart. On the west side of Battle street, at the foot of the 
hill, where the old road (that was closed by the town authority a few 
years ago) joined Battle, is an old cellar and the stone underpining to 
a barn, showing that there has been a large house and out-buildings, 
the home of another Mr. Hart. It seems reasonable to suppose that 
they had a grant of land the same as the Matthews brothers. 

We are near the northern boundary of the district now and must 



CHIPPINSHlLi: 




(19) Built V)v Caleb Mathews, for many years The (Squire) Con- 
stant Loyal Tuttle Place, Mathis Hintz O; (20) Pinehurst, built by 
Mrs. Williams Darrow, Fred Hubbard, O; (21) The Hanford Pennoyer 
Place;]Mrs. David Birge R: (22) Maple Crest Farm, Chaunccy Atwood O, 
(23) Sunny Side. E. L. Gaylord, O; (24) ^laple Corner, i'rcd Sahlin O, 
(25) Breezy Xook Farm, formcrlvthc Horace Munson Place, Charles H. 
Barber O, (26) The Simeon Mathews Place. Joseph J. Gee O ; (27) 
"Maple Lawn Farm," originally the Xathaniel Mathews Place, Mrs. 
Ellen Roberts O. 



532 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



either cross the lots or climb the Battle street hill past the line, until 
we reach a short road, across to Hill street, and from here we go south 
past the Samuel Jones' and the Widow Hill's places and come to the 
first house in the district on the north side. The old house was Vjuilt 
first for a clock shop for Mr. Noble Hill, but failing in this it was inade 
into a dwelling house and occupied by Mr. George Stone and his wife 
Nabby, many years. A Mr. Charles Schraeder bought it and soon it 
burned down and was replaced by the stone house now standing. A 
little farther south we come to the old Gay lord homestead. The first 
house was built on the west side of the street, but the newer house was 
built by one of the sons, Esq. Phillip Gaylord, who sold to a Mrs. Gould 
and her son Harrison and by inheritance it became the property of 
Mrs. Carrington, the mother of Silas. It had several owners and at 
one time was owned by Mr. Andrew Terry of Susanville (the grand- 
father of Mr. Charles Terry Treadway, who wanted a place where 
he could have his ideas of farming carried out by hired hands. He soon 
tired of this scheme and sold the place to Uncle Billy Gaylord of Bur- 
lington, a nephew of the builder. For several years it was the home of 
Mr. Ira Gaylord, now of Summer street, who sold the farm to Mr. Frank 
Atwood. It is now the property of Dr. A. S. Brackett and occupied 
by a Mr. McWilliains. 

A little to the south of this and commanding a wonderful view, 
, stands the house built by Mr. Darrow for Mr. Daniel Hill. After the 
death of Mr. Hill his son William lived there with his mother until he 
tired of driving over the road between his hoine and Bristol, saying 
the hills were no shorter or less steep than when he was young. He 
sold to Mr. Mark Miner of Wolcott, who, with his grand-son, Edson 
Downs, lived there several years. After the death of Mr. Miner, Mr. 
Downs sold to a Mr. Winton of Woodbury. Later Mr. Frank Atwood 
bought it and lived there until the great blizzard in 1888, when he sick- 
ened and died. Mrs. Atwood sold to Mr. G. N. Miner, grand-son of 
"Uncle Mark," who is the present owner. 




NORTH CHIPPIN S HILL SCHOOL. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE " 



533 




SyUlKE CONSTANT LUYAL TUTTLE PLACE. 



Now leaving Mr. Miner's we will go down the steep hill until we come 
to a little resting place where there is another Matthews' homestead 
built by Mr. Caleb Matthews over a hundred years ago and was owned 
by the family until after the death of Mr. Nathaniel Matthews in 1863, 
when it passed into the hands of strangers. In the house are two cham- 
bers with a "swinging partition" between them, a partition that could 
be lifted up and fastened to hooks in the ceiling above, making a large 
room where the Masons held their meetings in the early part of the 
Eighteenth Century. It was also used as a ball-room, and the neigh- 
bors gathered there for their quilting parties. 

After the death of Mr. Matthews a Mrs. Blanchard and her son 
from Northfield bought and occupied the place several years, then 
Mr. Henry Forster of Hartford, and after changing owners several times, 
is now in the possession of a Mr. Heintz. 

At the foot of the hill below the Esquire Tuttle place is an old house 
said to have been built by Mr. Enos Ives, and about 184U was bought 
by Mr. Tuttle for his son Hiram, who about 1850 sold it to his brother- 
in-law, Mr. Hanford Pennoyer, who lived there until 1899, when he 
died at the age of 94 years and a few months. His wife, Emily Tuttle, 
daughter of Esquire Tuttle, died two weeks earlier, aged 87. 

The house is now occupied by two of Mr. Pennoyer's daughters, 
the only descendants of the old settlers now living on the hill. 

If we go south from here to the old turn-pike and turn towards 
town we shall find a comparatively new house just east of Mr. Weld's 
that was built by Charlie Blanchard, son of Calvin and sold by him 
to Mr. Edson Smith. Towards Bristol and at the top of Pine Hollow 
Hill we come to the Castle place, afterwards the home of Stephen Rus- 
sell and of Timothy Hill, son of Daniel and of William Webster, and 
of Harvilla Hart, who built the new house and sold to Mr. Calvin Blan- 
chard. It is now owned by Mrs. Farnham. 



534 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




AN OLD TIME VIEW OF THE NORTH SIDE SCHOOL. 



THE NORTH SIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT, No. 2 



By Arthur S. Barnes. 

District No. 2 is not one of the old school districts of the town of 
Bristol. Before this district had a separate existence, the children of 
that portion of the town attended school at the south end. at a school- 
house, located near the old Baptist church, or went to the school on Federal 
Hill. Probably the children living at the foot of Chippins Hill attended 
school in the South Chippins Hill District as both the South Chippins 
Hill and the North Chippins Hll Districts were separate districts before 
what is now known as District No. 2 had an individual existence. The 
thirteen school districts of the town were designated and numbered at 
a Bristol School Society meeting, held on January 19, 1842. 

In the earlier days North Main Street w^as not cut through, and there 
w'as no cross roads between West Street and Federal Hill and Queen 
Streets, except Center Street. Center Street was used principally by 
residents of the southwestern section of the town and people from Fall 
Mountain in traveling to the Congregational Church on Sundays. 

What is now known as District No. 2 was set apart at a meeting of 
the Bristol School Society on December 14, 1837, and was known as 
the West Center School District. Walter Williams was the first commit- 
tee. Land was purchased of Daniel, Nelson and Nancy Roberts in the 
rear of the Methodist Church, and on this a school building was ereeted. 
This plot of ground was bounded on the north and west by land of 
grantor, e'ast by the Methodist lot, and south by land of Eli Barnes. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 535 

The length of the school year at this time w§s evidently six months, 
as we find on record a vote passed October 7, 1839, "instructing the 
district committee to employ a female teacher for 6 months to commence 
as soon as a suitable teacher could be found." That the district insisted 
on having the very best teachers that could be secured is evidenced by 
the following vote that "the committee be instructed to employ a female 
teacher and requested to obtain one second to none in Hartford County." 

The schoolhouse being situated in the rear of the church, there was 
more or less friction between district authorities and the Methodist 
Society, on account of the doings of some of the school children. There 
is a record of a special meeting held in 1849, in which it was voted to 
pay a bill of the Methodist Society for $1.08 for broken window glass, 
and at this same meeting it was made a standing rule of the district 
that the committee ascertain whose children broke glass in the windows 
of the Methodist Church and report the same, and that the expense of 
the repairs be added to the rate bill of the parents of these children. 

In 1854, the question of uniting with District No. 1 was considered 
at a number of special meetings. The vote was finally passed to unite 
with District No. 1 and build a graded school, but this action was never 
carried out. 

The Methodist Society needed more room for horse sheds, and in 
1860 it was vated to sell to the Society a part of the district lot, the 
schoolhouse to be moved to the rear, about a quarter of an acre of land 
additional having been purchased from Daniels Roberts. The deed for 
this land was dated October 12, 1863. In 1877, an addition of about 
fourteen feet was added to the rear of the school building, which was the 
first addition made to the building since it was erected in 1838. 

In 1882, it had become necessary to take further steps toward 
enlarging the accommodations as the number of children in the district 
had so increased that this one room would not accommodate them. A 
special meeting was called to consider consolidating Districts Nos. 1, 
2 and 3. This special meeting was held on May 31, 1882, and it was 
voted that "It is not deemed expedient to consolidate with other dis- 
tricts." The district committee were instructed to call a meeting to 
consider enlarging the schoolhouse or building a new one. After receiv- 
ing an offer from Lawson Wooding, the district voted "to exchange the 
present property for the so-called Mitchell property, the price not to exceed 
$1000.00 as a difference in exchange." This Mitchell property was the 
old George Mitchell homestead on the site of the present schoolhouse. 
The Mitchell house was removed from its location, and is now standing 
on Williams Avenue, and is used as a residence. The ell part of this 
Mitchell home was removed to a plot of ground in the rear of the church 
by the side of the old schoolhouse, and that also is still standing and 
used as a residence. 

The district appointed a building committee, consisting of 
Lester Goodenough, Seth Barnes, Henry Hutchinson, Edward Graham, 
and J. M. Peck. They were empowered to sell the old .schoolhouse, 
and to build a new one on the new site. $4000.00 was appropriated 
for this purpose, and this amount was afterwards increased by $600.00, 
making a total of $4(')00.00. 

A two room building was erected, and was first occupied in the 
spring of 1883, Mr. Burton A. Smith and Miss Sarah Goodenough being 
the teachers. Mr. Smith finished that school year, and was succeeded 
by Clarence A. Bingham who came to District No. 2 at the beginning of 
the fall term in 1883. With the completion of the present school year 
(1907-1908) Mr. Bingham will have served 25 years as the principal of 
the North Side School. During these years he has rendered faithful 
and intelligent services to the District, and has been looked up to by his 
scholars as a man who could be respected and trusted. He has seen the 
school grow from an average registration of about 95 to 325 pupils. 
There are now in attendance many children of his former pupils. The 
coming of Mr. Bingham marks the transition of District No. 2 from a 



536 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



country district school to a graded school of the town. It was formerly 
a rare thing to have a teacher remain a whole year, and the ordinary 
custom was to change teachers every term. Whether this "movable 
feast" in the line of school-teachers was brought about by the desire of 
the district cominittee to have some real work to do in the appointment 
of teachers, or whether it came from the teacher's opportunity to get 
more pay, or whether the teachers were driven out by the unruly pupils 
is a matter which does not at present concern us. 

The schoolhouse as erected in 1883 was occupied without change 
or addition until 1889 when an addition was built of two rooms, and 
later in 1900 another addition was built of one room for kindergarten 
work which makes a present equipment of five rooms in the school 
building. 

The names familiar in the early days of the district were Peck, Car" 
rington, Burwell, Barnes, Mitchell, Smith, Birge, Goodrich, Foster- 
Sheldon, Blakesley, Plumb, Phetzing, Burnham, Way, Stevens, WilliamS' 
and Ingraham. These families have now for the most part either moved 
away or passed on. 

In "Connecticut Historical Collections" by John W. Barber, pub- 
lished in 1838 there is a very interesting picture of the town of Bristol. 
The picture is sketched from the hill back of the Methodist Meeting 
house and inasmuch as it is largely of this section now known as the 
Second School District, the following quotation is interesting: 
f ■ • " "This is a manufacturing town, and the inhabitants are distin- 
guished for their enterprise and industry. There are at present sixteen 



imqiiiiipiii 




North End School that stood on West St. near Terry- 
ville Ave. It is now in back of Advent Church and used as a dwelling. 
The teacher standing in center is Mr Jennings. This picture was loaned 
by Mrs. Lvons of West St., 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 537 

clock factories, in which nearly 100,000 brass and wooden clocks have 
been manufactured in a single year. The manufacture of buttons is 
also carried on. 

"The principal part of the village is built at the base of a circular 
hill, the buildings being mostly on ar oad which passes round the hill 
in somewhat of a semicircle. The most conspicuous building is the 
Methodist Church, erected in 1835. To the right of this in the dis- 
tance, and on the summit of the hill is the Congregational Church. 
The Episcopal Church is situated on the northern descent of the hill, 
near the forest. The Baptist Church is on the road passing by the 
Methodist Church, a little distance to the south." 

The Methodist Church referred to is the original Methodist Church 
erected in 1835, and afterwards sold to the Advent Society and burned 
to the ground in 1890. 

We do not find that inany men who have written their names high 
in the hall of fame have received their education at District No. 2. Per- 
haps the most prominent are Hon. Chas. E. Mitchell of New Britain, 
former U. S. Patent commissioner, and Tracy Peck, head of the Latin 
Department at Yale. But District No. 2 has turned out a goodly num- 
ber of intelligent American citizens, men who have done and are doing 
their day's work as their hands find it to do. 

The memory of our days in the district school is always with us, 
and twice happy is he whose memory goes back to the days in the little 
white schoolhouse behind the church. 

Rough, bleak, and hard, our little State 
Is scant of soil, of limits strait; 
Her yellow sands are sands alone. 
Her only mines are ice and stone! 

From Autumn frost to April rain, 
Too long her winter woods complain; 
From budding flower to falling leaf, 
Her summer time is all too brief. 

Yet on her rocks, and on her sands, 
And wintry hills, the schoolhouse stands, 
And what her rugged soil denies. 
The harvest of the mind supplies. 



Nor heeds the sceptic's puny hands. 

While near her school the church-spire stands; 

Nor fears the blinded bigot's rule. 

While near the church-spire stands the school. 

— Whittier. 



538 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE MOUNT HOPE CHAPEL. 



A small Sunday-school was organized in 1884 in the North Chip- 
pins Hill district near the Burlington line, by ]\Iiss Hattie O. Utter, school 
teacher in that district. Miss Utter organized the school because the chil- 
dren of her day school were non-attendants of any Sunday-school. She 
conducted the Sunday-school successfully for a year when her engagement 
closed and she left the school to return to her home and be married. 
She was greatly beloved by the people of the district, and only lived about 
a year after her removal. At her earnest request Mr. William E. Sessions 
and Mr. B. S. Rideout, who was General Secretary of the Y. M. C. A. in 
Bristol, continued the school, beginning in June, 1885. The first Sunday 
only three little girls, sisters, Mary, Sarah and Lizzie Goodsell, were 
present. Mr. Rideout was only able to continue for a few months. Mr. 
Sessions conducted the school for four years in the schoolhouse, and has 
conducted it in the chapel ever since. There was a large and increasing 
attendance which outgrew the accommodations of the schoolhouse, and 
in 1889 the IMount Hope Chapel was built by voluntary contributions of 
the people and friends. 

The chapel was dedicated by the Rev. A. C. Eggleston, who had been 
the pastor of the Prospect Methodist Episcopal Church in Bristol, but was 
at that time pastor of the First Methodist Episcopal Church in Waterbury. 

The school was named Mount Hope by Mr. Rideout, who has been 
for many years a Congregationalist minister at Norway, Maine. Among 
the prominent workers and teachers in the early years were Mrs. Louisa 
Tuttle (deceased), Mrs. W. O. Goodsell, Mrs. Frank H. Perkins and Mr. 
Charles S. Smith. The Sunday-school has been kept up continuously 
and frequently sermons have been preached by ministers of different de- 




MT. HOPE CHAPEL. 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



539 



nominations, some prominent and noted speakers having spoken there, 
including Bishop McCabe, familiarly known as Chaplain McCabe, Bishop 
Moore and Bishop Cranston, all of the Methodist Church, President Ray- 
mond of Wesleyan University, President Spencer of the Women's College, 
Baltimore and Fanny Crosby, the hymn writer, and others. 

The school has always been conducted as a union or non-sectarian 
Protestant Sunday-school. Mr. Isaac T. Rowe has been assistant su- 
perintendent for many years. Many of the young people who formerly 
lived in that neighborhood have removed to Bristol and to other points 
throughout the country, but often return to visit the school. 

In 1906 an arrangement was made with Mr. H. S. Coe to bring an 
omnibus load of children and young people from the East Church District 
ever\- Sunday. Since that time Mrs. Coe has been an efficient teacher 
and worker in the school. For many years the school has supported a 
missionary native pastor-teacher school in India, called The Mount Hope 
School, and annual reports are read from the pastor-teacher. 

A remarkably large attendance for such a scattered district has been 
maintained throughout the entire period and many families who live 
remote from any church enjoy the privileges of the Sunday-school. An- 
nual excursions are held and the Christmas tree and exercises are always 
a pleasing feature. 

The anniversary of dedication is celebrated every October, and a 
large number of former members are accustomed to attend. It is esti- 
mated that at least fi>ur Iiundred to live hundred people have been mem- 
bers of the school in the 23 years of its history. 




.\ THOROUf^HBRED .MORGAN COI.T. 
OWNED BY DR. G. T. ELLIOTT V. S., 1907 



540 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



THE BRADLEYITES 

By Milo Leon Norton. 



There are always dissenters from established opinions, be they 
political, religious, or commercial, and the world owes much of its prog- 
ress to this fact. Someone is discovering a shorter route, or a better 
system, or is advancing a step ahead of his contemporaries, constantly; 
often persecuted, ridiculed and censured, but eventually gaining follow- 
ers, and establishing a new standard of faith and practice. 

Early in the last century, David Bradley, of Hampden, became 
dissatisfied with the doctrines of the Congregational church of which 
he was a member, separated himself from that denomination, and, being 
a student for the ministry, received baptism and ordination from the 
Baptists, though he never joined that communion. Gradually gather- 
ing together a small body of believers, a chapel was built for him at 
Mount Carmel, where he preached for many years, baptising converts, 
administering the sacrement, and performing all the functions of the 
Christian ministry. He attracted to his meetings such as considered 
the orthodox, or regular denominations, too narrow, or too widely, and 
who wished to lead a more spiritual life than they thought it possible 
to do in the churches; besides enlarging the boundaries of their fellow- 
ship to include every sincere believer in Christ, of whatever name or 
creed. After his death in the fifties meetings were held at the chapel, 
but there was a gradual scattering of the little flock, and eventually 
the meetings were discontinued there, and the chapel converted into a 
blacksmith shop, about 1870. 

Among this little company of people, who were sitgmatized Bradley- 
ites, agitators of various beliefs labored and secured some converts, 
notably John Humphrey Noyes, founder of the Oneida Community. 
The Advent movement of 1843, and subsequently, made some inroads 
into the membership; but on the whole, the original members remained 
true to the principles taught by their first and only pastor, for no one 
succeeded him in the pastoral relation. 

During the two decades ending about 1870, occasional protracted 
meetings were held by this people, who were still called Bradleyites 
because of the prominence among them of Dr. H. I. Bradley, of New 
Haven, a physician and druggist, the son of the former pastor. These 
meetings were held in various places, at private houses, and were con- 
tinued for from one to three weeks. All were welcome, of whatever 
religious belief, and perfect liberty was given for the expression of in- 
dividual views, without opposition. A more heterogeneous body of 
Christians it would have been difficult to get together. The home of 
Asahel Mix, who lived in a house now abandoned, at the eastern end 
of a glacial knoll in the level meadows to the east of Edgewood, was 
one of the places where these people met on several occasions; ^.Iso 
at the home of his son, Judd Mix, on Jerome Avenue; and at Ephraim 
Maltby's, in Stafford District. Most of the Bristol people who met 
with them were Millerites, or Second Adventists; and some of them, 
including the families of Ashael Mix, Mr. Maltby, and S. C. Hancock, 
the bhnd preacher, were Seventh-day Adventists, the converts of Mrs. 
Ellen White, who labored among them in 1848 and 1849, securing a 
number of adherents, but who never united with the sect of that name 
which she founded, with headquarters at Battle Creek, Michigan. The 
Hamden people, for the most part, were not believers in the literal 
coming of Christ; and there were others from Hartford, including the 
wife of the Mayor of the city, from New Haven, Southington, Cheshire, 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 541 

and other places, having ahnost as many distinct religious views as 
there were individuals. 

They had one common ground of agreement, however, and that 
was the opposition to any church organization, or leadership. With the 
Quakers they believed in the leadership of the "Spirit," under which 
it was considered proper if one was speaking, and another wished to 
speak, for the second person to notify the first of his desire, when the 
first speaker sat down and waited for the second to deliver his message. 
They believed in the "gifts" mentioned in Scripture, including the 
"gift of tongues," when one -would be "moved" to speak in an unin- 
telligible gibberish, which, sometimes, another would be moved upon 
to interpret. Of course cranks of various kinds took advantage of the 
liberty of speech given in these meetings, and were patiently listened to, 
and tolerated. If they became violent or abusive, as they sometimes 
did, they were usually successfully squelched by the united determina- 
tion of the level-headed persons present, without recourse to force or 
violent opposition. Sometimes there were heated and uncharitable 
discussions, but usually there was perfect tolerance, and the utmost 
patience with discordant elements noticeable. Sometimes there were 
"exercises," when persons would be apparently under "control," like a 
spiritualist inedium, and in a seini-conscious state. When in this state 
personal messages were delivered to those present, believed to emanate 
directly from God. Admonitions were also given, warnings, and re- 
bukes to offensive or disturbing elements. There seemed to be much 
discerninent of inharmonious and disturbing influences, and their quick 
detection and exposure. Some of these instances were truly inarvelous, 
and would almost surpass belief if related. 

One of the most notable of these intruders into the little gathering 
of believers, who called themselves "Come-outers," because they had 
coine ovit of the various churches to which they formerly belonged, was a 
Quaker from New Bedford, Mass., name Frederick Rowland, He was 
a dentist by profession, and a remarkably skillful one, considering the 
crude instruments in use at the time, which was prior to 1860. He first 
appeared in Bristol as a lecturer, having a chart illustrating prophecy 
as he understood it. It developed that he regarded the Advent move- 
inent of 1843, and succeeding years, as applying to himself, finally an- 
nouncing that he was the Holy Ghost. There is no claim so absurd 
that will not find acceptance, and in Massachusetts, at Worcester and 
Athol, he gained adherents who accepted him as the visible manifesta- 
tion of the Paraclete. But the Bristol people did not take kindly to 
his pretentions, and when he came to Ashel Mix's house with his follow- 
ers, half a dozen men and women in 1863, and asserted his power to 
kill, and to raise the dead, and to work miracles, he was promptly sup- 
pressed. His desire was to establish a community upon Mr. Mix's broad 
acres, but the scheme fell through, and he took his departure. One 
of his peculiarities was the observance of a vow never to perform any 
manual labor. This he rigidly observed. At Petersham, Mass., he 
established a community, over which he held absolute sway, until 1874, 
when he was accidentally killed. The community lingered a few years, 
dissolved and passed away. At one time it numbered twenty-five 
members, and was prosperous. 

Ashael Mix, one of the most peculiar characters of his time, was a 
native of the Mine District, where he spent his early life, at the house 
which stood where H. I. Muzzy's house now stands. At early convern 
to Millerism he at once became a marked man, and the subject of many 
false accusations. About the time of the expected coming of the Lord , 
in 1843, his well-sweep, which was attached to a large pine tree in front 
of the hovise, got out of order, and he climbed up into the tree to repair 
it. Of course that was all that was necessary to start the story, be- 
lieved to this day, that he climbed the tree, arrayed in "ascension robes," 
ready to be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. The old pine was 
blown down a few years ago, and until that time the iron rod upon 



542 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

which the well-sweep was hung, could, be seen in the fork of the tree. 
Afterward Mr. Mix removed to the house before mentioned, where he 
spent the remainder of his life. He was the owner of a vast amount 
of real estate in Bristol, Burlington, and other places, mostly woodland, 
and was a dealer in horses and cattle. Occasionally but not often he was 
worsted in a trade. He was inclined to take things philosophically, 
as may be seen by the following incident, which illustrates his shrewd- 
ness also: He sold a cow to a Southington man, who enquired partic- 
ularly if the cow was unruly. Mr. Mix replied that she never troubled 
him. The cow proved to be very unruly, and the purchaser demanded 
to know why this matter had been misrepresented to him. Mr. Mix 
replied that he never said the cow was not unruly. He said she never 
troubled him; he did not let such things trouble him. The purchaser 
was not satisfied with the explanation, sued for damages, and was beaten, 
the court sustaining Mr. Mix's philosophical view of the case. The 
incident was related to the writer by the purchaser, years afterward, 
who was much amused at the shrewdness of Mr. Mix, notwithstanding 
the fact that he was the loser by the transaction. There used to be a 
story current, at Mr. Mix's expense, related by a Bristol man, who pro- 
fessed that he dreamed one night that he met a well-dressed stranger on 
Main Street, and got into conversation with him. He said to thestrange 
gentleman, who appeared to be a man of culture and refinement, "You 
seem to be a stranger hereabouts; might I enquire 3^our name?" The 
gentleman addressed replied that he was Satan. The Bristol man was 
incredulous, believing that the stranger was joking; but when he parted 
the tails of his long frock coat, there was a forked tail which had been 
concealed there; when he lifted his tall, silk hat, horns protruded from 
his brow; and when he extended his foot, lo, it was cloven! When the 
Bristol man recovered from his surprise, he ventured to ask the stranger 
where he kept himself. "Up to Asahel Mix's," was the reply. "What 
on earth are you doing up there?" asked the Bristol man. "Helping 
the old gentleman trade horses and cattle," replied Satan. "Keeps 
me so busy that I haven't had time to come up town before in several 
weeks." Mr. Mix had to deal with all sorts of crooked characters, in 
his trading business, and it is believed that his unerring judgment, and 
native shrewdness, made it unnecessary for him to require any assist- 
ance from His Satanic Majesty. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



543 



FORESTVILLE 



Bv Joseph Fraxcis Button. 

WE HAVE still with us an honored few who were young when 
Forestville commenced to thrive. Much of their hair has 
gone and what is left is whiter than it used to be. But the 
old fire of intelligence and energy that w^as largely responsible 
for the building up of Forestville remains, and for them we append a 
few notes of old-time days in Forestville. 

What follows is not intended for a chronological history of Forest- 
ville, but a brief sketch of men and conditions that existed in the bygone 
davs. It is eminently proper that these records be entered upon the 
history of New Cambridge, for although ForestviUe is but a village 
of Bristol, nothing relating to the latter could be considered without 
reference to the former. 

• In the early revolutionary days, Forestville was the hunting grounds 
of the Tunxis tribe of Indians, whose reservation was in old Farmington. 




ST. MATHEWs' ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 



544 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Where commodious houses and civihzation now exist, here too the 
Indian hunter pursued the panting deer. 

The section through which Poland Brook runs was also a favorite 
camping spot for the Indians, and in the layout of the Stafford District 
in 1721, the white settlers respected the claims of the Indians to the 
Poland section. 

The first settler in Forestville was Nehemiah Manross, who came 
here from Lebanon, this state, in 1728, and built a small house almost 
opposite the Felix Holden homestead in East Bristol. Sonn afterwards 
he migrated eastward, and erected a small home on the edge of what 
is now known as Spring's Ditch. The exact spot is now unknown, 
and today nothing remains to mark its existence. 

Nehemiah Manross was the great, great-grandfather of Elijah 
Manross of Garden street, who, today, in his eighty-first year is the 
oldest man now living, who was born and bred in Forestville. Nehemiah 
and his two sons, Elijah and Elisha, were the forerunners of a long-lived 
family, whose descendants in the j^ears to follow exerted a powerfvil 
influence in the building up of the conimunity. Tradition states that 
a young Nehemiah Manross, was ambushed and eventually put to death 
by the Indians in Poker Hollow, or near the present day homestead 
on the back road to Plainville. It is interesting to record that in the 
stirring days of 1775, Elisha Warren, who at that time lived in a small 
cabin standing close to the edge of the Merritt's pond in the Stafford 
District, contracted smallpox while visiting his two sons at the|Conti- 
nental Camp near Boston. Mr. Warren's death followed, and he was 
buried in the swamp that runs westward towards the Barnard estate. 
A fragment of a stone marks his resting place, but otherwise this old 
hero of the early days lies unremembered by the present generation. 

The first manufacturing industry was started in the year 1811, when 
Joseph Ives commenced making clocks in a little structure where the 
present Laporte Hubbell shop now stands. This was soon afterwards 
moved to Bristol, and the first permanent industry began in 1813, 
when Chauncey Boardman commenced making clocks of a primitive 
wall pattern in an old btiilding that stood across the street from the 
Timothy Colhns place in the Stafford District. The shop was close to 
the old Boston and Albany turnpike road that connected Hartford 
with the Bristol post office which was then vmder the management of a 
man named Mitchell. 

Soon after this, Ehsha Manross, father of the present Elijah, started 
to make the wood parts for the Boardman Company. The Manross 
shop stood ji^st north of the present Hubbell factory and the same dam 
that was used to generate the water power is still doing duty for the 
present manufacturers. At one time the company had finished up 
twenty-five clocks in advance of the trade, and it was feared that this 
large stock order wovild ruin the concern. A salesman was started out 
on horseback and eventually sticceeded in disposing of the goods. Pros- 
perity followed and the future of the Company was assured. 

In the olden days matches were an tmknown luxury, and at the 
Manross factory an implement was manufactured to produce fire. It 
consisted of a tin cup fitted to the hand. There were tw^o compart- 
ments, one full of brimstone, the other of tinder. A wheel on a shaft 
like an inverted wheelbarrow completed the outfit. A string would 
be wound around the arbor of the wheel and when a light was needed, 
the string would be pulled, while a piece of flint would he held close to 
the flying wheel. This resulted in sparks flying downward to the tinder, 
which consisted of some slightly burnt cotton cloth. A match saturated 
with brimstone would be dipped into the tinder and a small blaze created. 
One can imagine the predicament of some of the present day youths, 
if they were obliged to do likewise in order to enjoy a fragrant Havanna. 

In 1837, Alden Atkins and Elizeur Welton commenced making 
wooden spools, faucets and inkstands in a little shop that stood on the 
site of the present burner factory. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



545 




. "r^mfi 







THE OLD M. E. CHURCH, DESTROYED BY FIRE. 
PARSONAGE AND PORTRAIT OF WILLIAM. T. HILL. 



546 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



At this time the roads of Forestville were few in number. One 
ran from the Buell house on King street eastward. This was the old 
turnpike road that entered into Plainville. Another ran north from 
where Deming's store now stands through the Stafford District to the 
Boston and Albany division. There was also another old country road 
leading from the Ralph Terry place down through the Dublin section. 
This road goes up over the West Mountain and underneath is an old 
worn-out copper mine 

The buildings were also conspicuous by their absence. The present 
Cramer house on Stafford Heights marked the beginning in that section. 
Then came the Uncle Lot Jerome, or Amos Sage place, the Gardner 
Hall home, then known as the Byran Churchill place, an old saw mill 
north of the present burner factory, and. the Ira Churchill house to 
the south of the Roland Douglass house. From the west, commencing 
with the Buell house, then came the Valentine Atkins place, built by 
the Manrosses, and now occupied by George Doherty, an old shop where 
Lyman Ashworth afterwards drew wire, the Manross homestead standing 
on the site of the late Dan A. Miller place; a little red house owned by 
Mrs. Lafayette Hill, the Thomas Hollister place near the top of Buckley 
Hill, and the Hendrick place which still marks the turn to the Plainville 
camp grounds. 

A small building afterwards used as a saloon stood just north of the 
present bridge. It is somewhat singular that intoxicating liquors are 
still dispensed from a saloon standing practically on the old site. 

A small shop stood near where the present Sessions Clock Company 
present plant is. Eight day movements clocks were made here under 
a company afterwards known as the Forestvillle Clock Company. The 
prime movers were Lowrey Waters, William Hills, Jared Goodrich, 
Chauncey Pomeroy and J. C. Brown. The section where the shop 
stood was even then known as "Mud Row," a cognomen it enjoys at 
the present time. There were no roads hereabouts and in order to get 
across the Pequabuck River, one was obliged to u.se a boat. Eventually 
a big tree that stood to the west of the Forest House was felled, and 




OIL WELL IN STAFFORD DISTRICT. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



547 




SCHOOL AT STAFFORD DISTRICT. 



for many years did duty as a bridge. Even now, when the water is a 
shallow, the old gnarled tree stump can be seen lying close to the river 
edge as a vivid reminder of the primeval days. 

A small lane, long known as "Hen Coop Alley," ran from "Mud 
Row" up to a large pine tree that marked the intersection of the Dublin 
Road. 

"With the fonnation of the eight day clock company it was decided 
to select a name for the rapidly growing community, and it naturally 
"slid into its name of Forestviile" as its sponsors were even then sur- 
rounded by a great forest that stood forth in all its grandeur. 

A few years previous to the War of the Rebellion, the citizens 
united, and after securing land from Elisha Manross, built the present 
Church street connecting the upper section with the center. In 1864, 
the E. N. Welch Company secured control of the Forestviile Clock Com- 
pany which was then owned by J. C. Brown, and only a few years ago, 
after a long manufacturing career, the Welch interests were absorbed 
by new people, resulting in the formation of the present successful 
manufacturing corporation known as the Sessions Clock Company. 

Following close upon the panic of 1837 came a feeling that al^ 
the energies of Forestviile should not be confined to one branch of in- 
dustry, and this idea in 1850 resulted in the formation of the Bristol 
Brass and Clock Company, with a small factory located on the site of 
the old Atkins and Welton toy shop, which was built in 1836. From 
a small beginning the Bristol Brass and Clock Company has succeeded 
in building up one of the greatest industries in the town. During recent 
years a silver department has been added to the large burner factory 
and the future of the concern is very bright. The original Bristol Brass 
and Clock Company is now incorporated under the title of the Bristol 
Brass Company with important branch industries in Bristol and East 
Bristol, in addition to the plant at Forestviile. 

In 1902, great excitement prevailed in the usual quiet village due 
to the alleged discovery of oil at the Taylor farm in the Stafford District. 



548 BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 

Oil could easily be seen working its way through to the stirface. and 
real estate in that section conin"enced to assume peipendicular 
prices. Visions of another Standard Oil monopoly' with Forestville 
as the center were seen on the horizon. Oil experts from the various oil 
fields of the country visited the little hole in the ground, and would 
quietly depart, leaving behind them an air of mystery. 

A local company was formed and active operations commenced to 
mine the petroleum. A shaft was sunk to an imm.easureable distance, 
but beyond the first indications of slimy liquid that permeated through 
the ground, no oil was ever found, at least in paying quantities. 

Elijah Manross of Garden street tells an interesting story of how 
in the early February of 1836, the natives were almost scared to death 
by the snow suddenly turning to a deep crimson color. Mr. Manross, 
who was then in his tenth year, was bringing the supper to the men 
employed in his father's little shop when the change took place. He 
hustled forward in great fear and tumbled in through the shop door. 
One workman, who was just getting over the effects of a protracted 
spree, seeing the blood-red snow through the open door thought that 
the end of the world was at hand, and that judgment had been passed 
on him. No satisfactory explanation was ever given of this curious 
incident, which has never been repeated in the history of Forestville. 

Marine clocks were then unthought of, but in 1848, Brainbridge 
Barnes, a brother of the lamented Rodney Barnes, succeeded in per- 
fecting a marine movement that gave good results. A company was 
at once formed with headquarters at the old Manross factory. No 
time was lost in getting the goods on the market and thus it is that 
Forestville enjoys the distinction of having made the first marine clock 
that the world ever had. After several changes the original marine 
clock company came into the possession of Laporte Hubbell, now de- 
ceased; and it was due largely to Mr. Hubbell's individual efforts that 
a big business was eventually built up. 

An organization that made Forestville famous was the Forestville 
Cornet" Band, which was organized in 1854, with sixteen members. Of 
these only four are now alive, Alphonse Boardman of Brooklyn, N. Y., 
Clay Hubbell of Hartford, Elijah Manross, and Hiram M. Osborne, 
both of Forestville. 

This band was in great demand and ranked next to the Dodsworth 
Band of New York City. The band disbanded during the Civil War 
and the instrum.ents were purchased by musicians residing in Wolcotts- 
ville, which is now known as Torrington. 

Hiram Osborne, who was instrumental in organizing the Forestville 
Cornet Band, still resides in a house on Academy street that he purchased 
in 1860. At one time this house stood in the midst of a great forest of 
white pine birches, which extended in all directions. 

Close by, stood the Forestville schoolhouse, which with the excep- 
tion of a few additions and alterations is still doing duty. This school 
was built about seventy years ago, the land being donated by the Manross 
family on the condition that it revert back to the Manross estate if it 
ever be used for other than educational purposes. Miss Nellie Hills, 
the present efficient principal, is a daughter of Mrs. Eliza H. Hills of 
Garden street, who attended the first day's session of school. 

Another building that is regarded by the present generation as a 
landmark is the store now occupied by the J. S. Deming and Company. 
It was built in 1852 and was first used by George Pierpont for a general 
store. Upstairs was a large hall that in those days was considered very 
fine. This hall was used for public purposes of a religious, political and 
social nature. 

The Methodist Church Society that was organized in 1854 held its 
first public services here under the leadership of Rev. Mr. Whittaker. 
In 1864, the Methodists purchased the Maple street Episcopal building 
in Bristol, and removed it to the site of the present church. The old 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



549 




550 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

edifice was used for church purposes until it was destroyed by fire, and 
the present commodious tabernacle built in 1900, and the congregation 
is now in a most flourishing condition, The present pastor is Rev. John 
T. Hamilton, who is universally respected by all. 

As far back as 1840 the Roman Catholics of this section journeyed 
northward to assist at the devotions held at the old copper mines. Later 
when the mines were abandoned, the faithful were obliged to go to the 
parish church in Bristol until ISSl, when Rev. Michael B. Roddan com- 
menced celebrating mass each Sunday in the old Firemen's Hall, Forest- 
ville, that was afterwards destroyed by fire. This practice was continued 
until 1891, when Rev. Henry T. Walsh of Plainville assumed charge and 
erected the present splendid edifice to the service of the Almighty. In 
the year 1901 the Episcopalians of Forestville banded together and erected 
a neat little church, which has been consecrated for religious purposes. 

The Swedish population which during the past decade has increased 
rapidly, is even now centering its efforts upon the erection of a large 
new church, which, it is hoped, will be in use before the snow flies. 

One man who contributed largely to the building up of Forestville 
was Rodney Barnes. Mr. Barnes opened up roads in various sections 
and was the pioneer in building in several sections that are now thickly 
populated. 

Another well-known citizen was Dan A. Miller, who in days gone by 
was regarded as a legal expert on many things. Although not a lawyer 
and devoting most of his time to practical business purposes, Mr. Miller 
was continually in demand to pass upon judicial questions and many 
of the old time deeds and instruments were drawn by his advice. 

No sketch of Forestville would be complete without a reference to 
the lamented Charles W. Brown, better known as Hube. A skilled 
brass worker, Mr. Browne's favorite pastime was writing and his humorous 
articles were quoted by all the leading papers of the east. His death 
in 1903 robbed Forestville of a loved citizen and an honorable man. 

The first post office was located in the East Bristol section, opposite 
the "old store" on land now owned by Wilson Potter. The first post- 
master was Theodore Terry, an uncle of Franklin E. Terry, who now 
resides on Middle street. The exact date of the opening of the office 
seems lost to history, but it was early in the year of 1847, At this 
time East Bristol seemed destined to be the center of the village, as three 
of the shops with the post office and a general country store were in its 
midst. 

The extension of the railroad through to Forestville in 1850, marked 
the beginning of a prosperous future. Despite strenuous efforts of the 
East Bristolites the railroad station was established at Forestville and 
the post office soon followed. A large part of the original "Terry post 
office" has been converted into a dwelling-house owned by Thomas 
O'Brien and now stands the second house west of Davitt's crossing. 

For many years afterwards the post office was located near where 
the present railroad station stands. The building now used by Douglass 
Brothers for a business office was for many years used for post office 
purposes. Here it was that J. Fayette Douglass, who was first appointed 
postmaster under President Grant, remained in office for seventeen years, 
and today ranks as one of the oldest ex-postmasters now living in the 
State . 

At present the Forestville post office is under the efficient manage- 
ment of Postmaster James F. Holden, who enjoys the distinction of 
having served under both Democratic and Republican Presidents. 
Forestville is also well served politically, having two of the town selectmen 
in its midst, as well as a representative to the General Assembly. Through 
the Honorable WilHam J. Malone, Forestville is honored by having the 
only representative from the town of Bristol who ever presided as speaker 
of the House of Representatives. Representative Malone is also judge 
of the Bristol Police Court, thus giving unto Forestville both excellent 
judicial and legislative representation. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE 



551 




552 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

Thus it is that the Forestville of today is very much in evidence. 
Its factories are rushed with orders, it possesses an up-to-date educational 
institvition, the railroad facilities, both steam and trolley, are unexcelled, 
and the water supply for both private and public uses is good. 

The citizens of the present, although planning for the future, always 
enjoy looking back upon the golden past and the men and women who 
made it possible for the Forestville of today to be. 

FORESTVILLE ATHLETIC CLUB. 

As large oaks from little acorns grow, and big streams from little 
rivulets flow, so too, has the Forestville Athletic Club increased in num- 
bers and reputation until it has become an abiding institution and will go 
on, the members trust, like Tennyson's brook, "Forever and ever." 

The nucleus of the club was formed on December lo, 1903, when a 
band of young men of Forestville met in the Firemen's hall to consider 
the formation of an organization for the purpose of promoting athletic 
sports and to foster a more sociable spirit among the youth of the town. 

These young men had previously presented a minstrel overture, and 
the amateur thespians realized that if they could secure the same "hits" 
on the diamond, that they had before the footlights, their fu'.ure success 
was assured. 

A permanent organization was perfected in February, 1904, with 
about twenty-five charter members with rooms in the Por.er building, the 
home of the F. A. C. boys ever since. 

The first officers of the club were : President, Geo, C. Doherty ; vice- 
president, Henry R. Warner ; secretary, William Armitage ; treasurer, 
Charles P. Roberts. A committee consisting of T. F. O'Connell, James 
L. Murray, H. V. McDonald and H. E. Myers drafted by-laws of the 
club that are still in force 

Of the minstrel troupe, of which the club is an offspring, only four 
members are now enrolled under the red and white banner of the F. A. 
C. This quartet consists of Stephen Lambert, John Carroll, James L. 
Murray and William J. Roberts. The others gradually fell away and 
their places were taken by younger aspirants for athletic and social dis- 
tinction, and the club grew and continued in a very prosperous condition. 

The Forestville Athletic Club is the oldest existing organization of its 
kind in Bristol. Many strenuous contests have been waged upon the 
athletic field in various kinds of sports. Throughout all the games both 
at home and abroad the club has always endeavored to maintain a record 
for clean sports. 

The social functions given under the auspices of the club have always 
been popular and well patronized. Big delegations would be in atten- 
dance from the adjacent towns and although at times defeated in athletic 
contests, the hospitality always captivated both friend and foe, thereby 
making the focal boys victorious in the end. 

The present officers of the club. President, Charles Brennan, 
vice-president, Robert Miller, treasurer, Henry Davitt, and secretary, 
Joseph Dutton, have not only succeeded in putting the club in a good 
financial condition, but have made every social event an overwhelming 
success also. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 553 



Sporting Bristol. 



By Charles T. Olix. 

Bristol has always been friendly to sports. The reputation of the 
town in this particular is not a recent acquisition. For more than a 
century Bristol has been known as being alive athletically. 

First it was wicket, the exciting days of which are fully set forth 
in another chapter. Then came baseball. The New Departure Manufac- 
turing Company was the father of the national game in this town, and for 
several years maintained a crack team known as the "Bell Ringers' and 
giving the town the name of the "Bell Town," a name that lias stuck ever 
since. 

For a time Bristol was in the state league, acquitting herself hand- 
somely at the box office and on the diamond, notwithstanding the com- 
paratively small population of tli- town. For < ne ■.e r Xht- Bristol 
team won the pennant. But largely because of the cliagrin of the cities 
on losing to "little Bristol" as they called us, the honor was a matter 
of record only. The championship flag was never turned over to Bristol. 
But when the state league wanted a capable president it elected W. J. 
Tracy, who was practically the owner of the team, and chose J. E. 
Kennedy, wdio was associated with Mr. Tracy in promoting champion- 
ship baseball, for its chief of umpires. 

Polo, basketball, football and all of the faddy sports have thrived in 
Bristol, the announcement of a game of anything ensuring an audience. 
Perhaps the most unique chapter in the historv of local sports was the 
nrc-a-iiz-'ti' n of basketball tearn^ b'-' fra'ern,-)! so'-ieties of the town, 
combining in the Bristol Fraternal Basketball league for a championship 
series of games. Nearly all the players were green at the start but in 
the course-of a few weeks considerable talent developed and each contest 
was witnessed by large and wildly enthusiastic audiences. 

After a time the basketball constituency wanted the fastest in the 
land and the Bristol Delphis were the result, under the management of 
Charles Barker. This team for two seasons played the crack teams of the 
country on the armory floor, winning 80 per cent of its games. In the 
second vear a scries of championship games was arranged with Winsled. 
The rubb-jr was played in New Britain and Bristol lost. Bristol's failure, 
however, was almost completely due to lack of management in providing 
a strengthened team. This was the end of professional basketball in 
Bristol. 

The Bristol High school latterly has developed basketliall teams that 
have pla\ed in chami)ionship form. Baseball and football are also features 
of the athletic interests of the High school. 



554 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 




FRATERMAL LEAGUE, BASKETBALL MANAGERS. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



555 



■^- ■'■■■^- 




BRISTOL WHEEL CLUB POLO TEAM, 



656 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




FRANKLIN LODGE, F. & A. M. BASKETBALL TEAM 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



557 




FRIENDSHIP LODGE, SONS OF ST. GEORGE, BASKETBALL TEAM 
CHAMPIONS SEASON 1904- '05. 




STEPHEN TERRY, I. 0. 0. F. BASKETBALL TEAM e HA .\l 1MU.\ S SEASON lyO3-'04. 



■558 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




HASKl-.THALL TKAM RELIANCE (.Ul'XCIL, KnYAE ARCANUM 




BRISTOL GRANGE BASKETLiALL TEAM. 



OR KEW CAMBRIDGE. 



559 




PEOUABUCK LODGE, I. 0. 0. F. BASKETBALL TEAM. 



560 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



# 9 



ETHAN LODGE, K. OF P. BASKETBALL TEAM 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



561 




A BRISTOL BASKETr.ALL -:EAM PLAVINC OUTSIDE TEAMS. 



662 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




BRISTOL HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAM, SEASON '06-O /. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



563 




BRIST'JL UASKIilHALL TKAM, b 1 A i ii CIlA-MPIONS 



564 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




ONE OF Bristol's mana juvenile baseball teams. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 565 



Fraternal Bristol 



Bristol is said to li;ive more fraternal organizations, pro rata, for its 
male citizens than any otlier place in the United States. A whole volume 
the size of this work c( uld be n:>ed to advantage in recording their various 
histories, but in the space at our command the subject must of necessity 
be but casually treated. As far as possible we have endeavored to present 
a photographic reproduction of the officers of the various organizations. 
Unless otherwise stated these group photographs were all made at the 
Elton Sutdio. The data given in this section brings the various subjects 
to June, i9<^7, and necessary allowances must be made for any changes 
made since that time. 

Bristol as a whole is proud of its civic organizations, and the eligible 
citizen who is not enrolled in one or more of tlie various .societies is an 
e:;ception ra her than a rule. 



566 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



567 



COMPOUNCE TRIBE, No. 15, IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN. 

Compounce Tribe, Xu. 1."), Improved Order of Red Men, was or- 
ganized on December 11, 1890, with the following charter list: W. H. 
Merritt, F. C. Meder, |. H. Glasson, D. W. Abrams, G. X. Wright, E. E. 
Merriel, J. Edwards, G. A. Gowdv, W. C, Spring, C. E. Kittell. F. A. 
Hubbell, C. H. Curtiss, F. Wright, D. W. Hull, S. T. Nichols, H. W. 
Hinman, A. W. Granniss, B. Fallan, W. C. Smith, E. S. Marden, J. B. 
Churchill, E. S. Stocking, F. S. Parsons, J. Hanna, C. H. Tiffany, W. H. 
Carman, L. S. Burg, G. A. Sweetland, F. W. Jacobs, F. D. Knicker- 
bocker, H. S. Judd, G. A. Warner, T. H. Duncan, V. Matthews, W. H. 
Card, S. D. Bull. 

The degrees were conferred by Tunxis Tribe, No. 10, of Waterbury, 
in the O. U. A. M. Hall in Linsted's Block. Like all new organizations, 
the Tribe flourished for a few years, when reaction set in and for a few 
years not much work was done, but in 1901, Past Sachem Chas. J. Phelan 
started a revival, and through his efforts the Tribe has grown steadily 
until now it numbers 165 members on the roll and dispenses charity 
among its members with a lavish hand, which is recognized by words 
of praise from the Great Council of Connecticut, and the townspeople 
of Bristol. 

The present officers are: Sachem, Albert M. Judd; Senior Saga- 
more, S. Edwin Green; Junior Sagamore, Geo. F. Scherr; Prophet, 
Wm. L. Casey; Chief of Records, F. C. Stark; Keeper of Wampum, 
Alfred L. Beede; Collector of Wampum, Thos. A. Tracy; Trustees, 
Jos. H. Glasson, Geo. A. Warner, and Ernest E. Merrill. 

The Tribe meets on Tuesday evenings in G. A. R. Hall, where the 
members take great pride in showing visitors a large Indian picture 
presented by the Great Council of Connecticut for the exemplification 
of the Chief's degree before the officers of the Great Council of the United 
States at Waterbury, where the Great Incohonee John W. Cherry of 
Norfolk, Va., stated that the work done by the Tribe of Connecticut was 
the best that it had been his pleasure to witness. 




A L,k'M P Mb Khb .\lh:N, oLlJ lIuMt WLLK. 



568 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



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OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 569 



THE ONEIDA CLUB. 

Among the social organizations consisting of young men exclusively, 
the Oneida Club is without question the leader. This society was 
instituted by a few young men for the purpose of promulgating a fraternal 
intercourse on strictly high grade lines, and to provide suitable rooms 
for mutual enjoyment and benefit. 

The primary steps of organization were taken on September 10, 
1906, and officers formally elected as follows: President, Dwight H. 
Hall; Vice President, Charles Green; Secretary, Arthur J. Wasley; 
Treasurer, Harry Andrews. 

Arrangements were immediately made to secure proper and con- 
venient quarters which were obtained and fitted out with good and 
substantial furniture, in a suite located on the second floor of the "Bristol 
Savings Bank," on September 15, 1906. • 

Rules, Regulations and By-Laws were duly prepared and adopted, 
so that a congenial atmosphere, free from all unhealthy influences, 
should at all times prevail, and the Club attained its high aims and 
position in the social world of the Bristol borough. 

The penant consists of a triangular banner of royal blue, inscribed 
with the word "OXEIDA" in white letters, while the club pin contains 
similar colors and is shaped in the form of a diamond. 

Entertainments are periodically provided in "Assemblies" or 
dances, and in whist parties, admission to which is afforded by invitation 
only, and in these the members endeavor to produce attractive con- 
ceptions in order to impress the recipients with a due sense of originality, 
and it goes almost without saying that the young ladies who are fortu- 
nate enough to be invited, are perfectly justified in anticipating a royal 
good time. 



570 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



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OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 571 



ORDER OF VASA. 

A member of the New Britain Order of Vasa, Mr. Card Bergendahl, 
became interested in starting a branch of this lodge in Bristol, so with 
the help of a few of the most popular local Swedes he finally succeeded. 
In order to obtain a charter, 17 men must sign, so a meeting was called 
October 5, 1906, to which the necessary amount of men responded and 
signed. At this meeting all preliminary steps for an organization were 
taken up and the following officers were elected: Past Master, Carl 
Almquist; President, Victor Modien; Vice President, George Gustafson; 
Recording Secretary, J. W. Johnson; Financial Secretary, Alfred Erick- 
son; Treasurer, August Erickson; Sermon Master, Axel Johnson; 
Chaplain, Alfred Carlson; Inside Guard, Gustave Anderson; Outside 
Guard, Pat Anglewood. The name of the lodge was also adopted, it 
being "Carl XII Order of Vasa." 

Since then the organization has been in a prosperous condition, start- 
ing with 17 members, and with a total membership now numbering 90, 
with more coming in. 

The following are the charter members: Victor E. Modien, Pat 
Anglewood, J. W. Johnson, Alfred Carlson, George Gustafson, Anthon 
Anderson, August Erickson.' Gustaf Anderson, Oscar Anderson, Carl 
Armquist, Axel Johnson, Alfred Erickson, Fred Ryding, Victor Lofgren, 
Amandus Shvan, Axel Anderson, Justus Johnson, August Molien, Erick 
Anderson, Charles Olsen, Hjalmar Anderson, Charles Holmberg, Harry 
Gustafson, Anthon Chelberg, Charles L. Johnson. Albert Anderson, 
Jacob Benson, Huldah Benson, Olga Beorkman, Hanning Nelson, Abrin 
Lindquiss. Teckla Gustafson, Carl Emanielson, Elen Carlson, Hadrick 
Modien, Charles Erickson, Axel Aspolien, John Johnson, Mrs. Carl 
Armquist, John Carlson, Alma Johnson, Frank Johnson, Axel Olson, 
Hanna Palm, Alfred Anderson, Charles Peterson, Peter Gustafson, 
Pattline Anderson, Jennie Peterson, Martin Pierson, Matildah Johnson, 
Nils Wm. Johnson, Emma Linden, Jons Lindvahl, Elen Gustafson, 
Bernt Liga, Malcolm Svenson, Lilly Lindien, Axel Carlson, Ansel Wie- 
berg, Joseph Anderson, Wensent Quisberg, Helen Angdahl, William 
Carlson, Augusta Anderson, John Engdahl, Alme Lindquist, Christiana 
Lorsen, Ester Anderson, Jennie Lorsen, Annie Johnson, Johnas Johnson, 
Elsie Anderson, John Ludirckson, Earnest AspoHen, Hanning Armquist, 
Easter Armquist, Oscar Ecklund, Carl Carlson, August Johnson, Charles 
Lorsen. 



572 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 573 



BRISTOL ASSOCIATION No. 3, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF 
STATIONARY ENGINEERS. 

Organized in O. U. A, M. Hall, cuiner of Main and Prospect Streets, 
Linstead's block, April 8, 1899. Instituted by Wm. E. Norton and 
Fred McGar. Organized by Edward L. Murphy and Ale.x. Rich of 
Meriden, Conn. 

Preamble: — This Association shall at no time be used for the 
furtherance of strikes, or for the purpose of interfering in any wa\ be- 
tween its members and their employers in regard to wages; recogniz- 
ing the identity of interests between employer and employe, and not 
countenancing any project or enterprise that will interfere with per- 
fect harmony between them. 

Neither shall it be used for political or religious purposes. Its 
meetings shall be devoted to the business of the Association, and at all 
times preference shall be given to the edvication of engineers, and to 
securing the enactment of engineers' license laws in order to prevent 
the destruction of life and property in the generation and transmission 
of steam as a motive power. 

First bo'ard of othcers of Bristol, No. 3, N. A. S. E.: President. 
Wm. E. Norton; Vice President, Fred. McGar; Treasurer, B. A. Brown; 
Recording Secretary, H. W. Simons; Financial Secretary, F. A. Warley ; 
Conducto'r, H. B. Norton; Doorkeeper, A. E. Moulthroup; Trustees, 
L. D. Waterhouse, Theodore Schubert, Jr., J. P. Garrity; Association 
Deputy, Wm. E. Norton. 

Present officers, June, 1907, National Association of Engineers: 
President, E. E. Merrill; Vice President, E. A. Porter; Treasurer, 
P. J. Murray; Financial Secretary, O. A. Thomas; Recording Secre- 
tarv, Wm. E. Norton; Conductor, J. P. Garrity; Doorkeeper, Fred 
McGar; Trustees. H. W. Simons, j". P. Garrity, L. D. Waterhouse; 
Association Deputy. Fred McGar. 

State Association of National Association of Stationary Engineers 

■ convened at Bristol on July 14th, 1896, and delegates from all over the 

State were present. The delegation was welcomed by Local Deputy 

Fred McGar and was responded to by State President James L. Band 

of Ansonia, Conn. 

Present members of National Association of Stationary Engineers: 
P. J. Murray, J. P. Garritv. Martin Keeting, E. E. Merrill. H. B. Norton, 
L. "D. Waterhouse, A. E'. Moulthroup, Wm. Coe. Fred McGar, Wm. 
E Norton, H. W. Simons, O. A. Thomas, W. G. Rood, C. N. Parsons, 
Geo W. Thompson, R. R. Wellington. E. A. Porter. 



574 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




'OR NEW CAMBRIDGB." 575 



COURT FOREST, No. 40, F. of A. 

This court was instituted December 13, 1888, by Court Wolfe Tone 
of Waterbury, Deputy Grand Chief Ranger John D. Bolan, and a large 
delegation of Brother Foresters from Waterbury and other towns. 

The following were installed as its first officers: Chief Ranger, 
A. J. Brannon; Sub Chief Ranger, W. H. Dutton; Financial Secretary, 
M. B. O'Brien; Recording Secretarv, J. F. Holden; Treasurer, M. J. 
Dalton; Sr. W., W. K. Parker; Jr. 'W., W. J. Hyland; In. B., T. Mc- 
Cormick; Jr. B., Wm. Wilson. 

The court has a membership of 70 members and is in a good finan- 
cial condition, having a treasury of one thousand dollars. Thirteen of 
its meinbers have passed away since its institution. The court pays 
a weekly sick benefit of $5.00 a week for 13 weeks, and $2.50 for 13 
more weeks if sickness continues, the services of Court Doctor, medi- 
cine and an allowance of fourteen dollars a week for nurse. 

Its meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays after the first 
and third Mondays, at Foresters' Hall, Central Street, Forestville. 

The court prides itselfjlon'^being one of the oldest benefit societies 
in town, as well as the most generous to needy brothers. 

Its present officers are: Chief Ranger, A. J. Brannon; Sub Chief 
Ranger, G. P. Dutton; Financial Secretary, M. B. O'Brien; Recording 
Secretarv, J. P. Moran; Treasurer, M. McCormick; Sr. W., C. Dalev; 
Jr. W., W. H. Roberts; In. B., W. J. Roberts; Jr. B., G. B. Lewis; 
Janitor, W. H. Roberts. 



576 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE." " ' " .577 



FEDELIA CIRCLE, No. 166, C. of F. 

The first meeting of Fedelia Circle, No. 166, C. of F., was held in 
the old Firemen's Hall, May 16, 1892. It was instituted by Circle Ever 
Ready, No. 84, of New Britain, with a membership of fifty-five. 

The first board of officers elected were: Chief Companion, Miss 
Margaret Bower; Sub Chief Companion, Miss Julie Keating; Past 
Chief Companion, Thomas McCormick; Financial Secretary, Miss 
Louise Beeman; Treasurer, Miss Mary O'Brien; Recording Secretary, 
Miss Delia Hyland; Right Guide, Miss Margaret Burdy; Left Guide. 
Miss Mary Gormley; Inside Guard, Mrs. Michael Emmett; Outside 
Guard, Miss Abbie Foran; Deputy, John W. Daley; Trustees, Miss 
Annie Gillew, John W. Daley, Thos. McCormick; Auditors, Miss Julie 
Dutton, Miss Eliza McKane, Miss Delia Hyland; Circle Physician, Dr. 
John J. Wilson; Apothecary, William Reynolds. 

The present board of officers are: Past Chief Companion, Mrs. 
Fred Hayden; Chief Companion, Mrs. Emily Brown; Sub Chief Com- 
panion, Mrs. Mary Roberts; Recording Secretary, Miss Etta Brannan 
Financial Secretary, Mr. P. J. Murray; Treasurer, Miss Katie Ford 
Right Guide, Miss Mary Lambert; Left Guide, Miss Agnes Dutton 
Inside Guard, Miss Mamie Murray; Outside Guard, Miss Elizabeth 
Hoylen; Deputy, Mrs. Ernest Hamlin; Physician, Dr. W. R. Han- 
rahan; Apothecary,' William Madden; Trustees, Mrs. Matthew Mc- 
Cormick, Miss Julie Dutton, Miss Nellie Lambert; Finance Committee, 
Miss Mary Lambert, Miss Agnes Dutton; Auditing Committee, Miss 
Agnes Dutton, Miss Mamie Lambret, Miss Julie Dutton. 

Since the institution of the Circle it has paid for sick benefits, 
$3,898.58. The running expenses have been $1,57.3.96, and the total 
receipts $6,306.82, leaving a balance of $834.24 at the present time, 
having a membership of fifty-seven and lost three members by death 
during a term of fifteen years. 

Our motto is S. S. and C. 



578 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE '.' 579 



ADELPHI LODGE, No. 12, N. E. O. P. 

Adelphi Lodge, No. 12, of the New England Order of Protection 
was organized m Bristol, December 15th, 1887, and was the second 
lodge of the Order to be established in Connecticut, the first, Ida Lodge, 
No. 10, having been organized in the city of Bridgeport a few evenings 
before. Its charter list of thirty-three members contains the following 
names, the greater portion of whom came over as a body from a lodge 
of "The Knights and Ladies of Honor." Elizabeth M. Sikes, Albert 
C. Loomis, Harriet J. Loomis, Lucy C. Adams, Will B. Adams, Martha 
R. Russell, Harriet E. Simons, Hiram W. Simons, Noble C. Sparks, 
Helen U. Sparks, Homer W. Welton, Nellie A. Welton, Adelbert D. 
Webster, Harriet E. Webster, Delbert W. Abrams, Ella A. Abrams, 
George B. Chapin, Minnie J. Chapin, Marv J. Merriman, Libbie F. Ben- 
nett, Fred E. Burr, Susie M. Burr, Alice'C! Olcott, Charles E. Russell, 
Roland T. Hull, Dr. Maurice B. Bennett, Ellen M. Crane, Albert Munson, 
Sarah E. Munson, Lewis H. Smith, Edward I. Bradshaw, Walter S. 
Jones, Dr. Edward P. Woodward. This lodge of the Knights and 
Ladies of Honor desired a New England Jurisdiction and prospects of 
obtaining same seeming remote, they found in the New England Order 
of Protection, wdiich had been organized in Boston the previous month, 
the opportunity for the realization of their desire in this respect. 

At the installation of the lodge the word "Adelphi" was adopted 
as its name and is supposed to have been derived from the word Adel- 
phia, meaning brotherhood. 

Of these thirtv-three charter members, twenty applied for in- 
surance of $1,000 each, three for $2,000 each, and five for $3,000 each, 
making at the start a total insurance of $41,000, five remaining social 
members. Their average age was about forty years. Out of this 
number thirteen have either died or withdrawn from this lodge, leaving 
twenty of the original list still retaining their membership. 

Hiram W. Simons was the first Past Warden of the lodge and Albert 
C. Loomis the first Warden; Elizabeth M. Sikes, Vice Warden; Harriet 
E. Simons, Recording Secretary; Fred E. Burr, Financial Secretary- 
Susie M. Burr, Treasurer; Martha R. Russell, Chaplain; Adelbert D* 
Webster, Guide; Harriet E. Webster, Guardian; George B. Chapin 
Sentinel; Hiram W. Simons, Adelbert D. Webster, and Roland D' 
Hull, Trustees. 

For a few years the lodge met in Woman's Christian Temperance 
Union Hall, which was located on North Main Street, in a building 
adjacent to the Gridley House. They then removed to the G. A. R. 
Hall where at the present time they hold their meetings the second and 
fourth Wednesday in each month. 

The present officers of the lodge are as follows: Edward I. Brad- 
shaw, Jr., Past W^arden; Josie M. Glasson, Warden; Rosa D. Bechstedt, 
Vice Warden; Geo. A. Bechstedt, Recording Secretary; John J. Mer- 
rills, Financial Secretary; Franklin E. Terry, Treasurer; Elizabeth 
M. Sikes, Chaplain; Grace R. Bechstedt, Guide; Fred E. Burr, Guardian; 
William Allport, Sentinel; Franklin E. Terry, Richard L. Prothero, 
and William C. Glasson, Trustees. The Treasurer and Financial Secre- 
tary are under bonds of $300 each, and the Trustees, of $100 each. In 
early years these bonds were given by the members of the lodge, but 
at the present time they are secured in Guarantee Companies. 

The Adelphi Lodge, through its almost twenty years of existence, 
has paid from its general fund large sums of money in aiding its sick 
and disabled members, and has a considerable amount invested for 
future 'purposes. .. - . 

The total number who have joined since the organization of the 
lodge is one hundred and ninety-three. Of this number, twenty have 
died who carried a total insurance of $37,000 and thirty-three have 
either withdrawn or transferred to some other lodge, leaving the present 
membership one hundred and forty. 



580 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



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OFFICERS PALOS COUNCIL, K. OF C. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 581 

PALOS COUNCIL, K. OF C. 

Palos Council, No. 35, K. of C, was instituted March 11, 1886, by 
District Deputy Grand Knight P. J. Markley, under the provisions of 
the following charter: 
■Supreme Council Knights of Columbus, 

State of Connecticut. 
To all whom it may concern — Greeting: 

Whereas, it having been made known to the officers of the Supreme 
Council, Knights of Columbus, of the State of Connecticut, located in 
New Haven, that a sufficient number of eligible men residing in Town 
of Bristol, in Hartford Count}^ State of Connecticut, having duly peti- 
tioned that they be chartered and authorized to organize and maintain 
a Subordinate Council of our Order within said Bristol, and appearing 
to be for the benefit of said Supreme Council and cause of Charity as 
well as for the proposed brethren that their petition be granted. 

Therefore, be it known, that we, the undersigned members of the 
Supreme Committee of the Knights of Columbus, by and with the con- 
sent of Supreme Council, hereby authorize and direct the following 
named gentlemen to assemble and work as a regularly constituted 
Council of the Knights of Columbus, to be designated and known by the 
name of Palos, No. 35: 

Thomas H. Brown, James Kane, Thomas Harrigan, Owen C. Kil- 
duflf, Frank J. Emmett, John Missett, Michael B. Kilduff, Richard 
Murray, David Griffith, Patrick Foran, James Holden, Enos B. Mc- 
Mullen, Michael Conlon, Stephen Sullivan, James Missett. John Drury, 
Michael Tracy, James H. Kilduff, James D. Whipple, Michael O'Brien, 
Laurence Fitzpatrick, Michael Emmett, Maurice Toley. 

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto affixed our names, under 
the seal of the Supreme Council. 
Attest : 

JAS. T. MULLEN, 

jAS. McCarthy, 

HENRY T. DOWNS, 

Committee. 
Given this 11th day of March, 1886. 

Daniel' coLWELL, 

Secretary of Supreme Council. 

A large delegation was present from New Britain, Hartford, Union- 
ville, and Southington. Eighteen members were initiated and the 
following officers installed: Grand Knight, Thomas H. Brown: Deputy 
Grand Knight, James Kane; Chancellor, Bernard Fallon; Treasurer, 
Thomas Harrigan; Financial Secretary, Frank J. Emmett; Recording 
Secretary, Owen C. Kilduff; Warden, John Missett; Inner Guard, 
Stephen Sullivan; Outside Guard, David Griffith; Lecturer, Michael 
B. Kilduff; Chaplain, Rev. M. B. Roddan;- Trustees, Patrick Foran, 
J. F. Holden, M. B, Kilduff, Wm. Scott. 

Council held its meetings in Knights of Labor Hall in J. R. Mitchell's 
building on Main Street, until August of the same year, when it trans- 
ferred to G. A. R. Hall on North Main Street, the present quarters. 

Since the institution of the Council fifteen members have died. 
The Council is in excellent financial standing with a membership of 
eighty. 

The Council has had ten Past Grand Knights, including the follow- 
ing: T. H. Brown, J. A. Kane, M. N. Kelly, B. M. Holden, J. F. Glee- 
son, F. J. O'Brien, L, H. Missett, D. J. Heffernan, S. O'Connell, P. W. 
Salmon. 

Present officers are: Grand Knight, J. D. Whipple; Deputy Grand 
Knight, J. F. Gleeson; Chancellor, M. B. Kilduff; Treasurer, J. A. 
Kane; Financial Secretary, M. B. O'Brien; Recording Secretary, J. N. 
Laudry, Jr.; Warden, L. H. Missett; Advocate, T. H. Brown; Inner 
Guard, John Enghart; Outside Guard, Dennis Sullivan; Chaplain, 
Rev. T. J. Keena; Trustees, J. F. Holden, M. J. Dalton, J. E. Hayes. 

Council holds regular meetings on second and fourth Thursdays. 



582 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




J 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



583 



ROYAL NEIGHBORS OF AMERICA. 

Ladies' Branch of Modern Woodman of America, first Camp in Con- 
necticut, was instituted by Mrs. Wm. E. Norton and organized on March 
12th, 1905, in No. 1 Hose Company's hall on School Street, by Mrs. 
Mode M. Pierce, state deputy, with a charter list of twenty-six members. 

Present officers, Royal Neighbors Camp, No. : Jennie John- 

ston, Oracle; Mrs. Margaret Kennedy, Vice Oracle; Margaret Ken- 
nedy, Recorder; Catherine Kennedy, Finance Keeper; Ellen Walch, 
Chaplain; Margaret Burns, Inside Guard; Catherine Whelan, Outside 
Guard; Agnes Heffinan, Trustee; Catherine Lonergan, Trustee; Lillian 
Hayes, Trustee; Margaret Norton, Camp Deputy. 

Present membership: 

: Margaret F. Kennedy, Margaret C. Kennedy, Margaret Simmons, 
Margaret Burns, Mary Smithwick, Rebecca Smithwick, Bridget Swift, 
Agnes Heffernan, Catherine Mansel, Ella Doyle, Catherine Bergh, Anna 
Scanton, Ellen Walch, Catherine Whelan, Mary Crowley, Jennie John- 
ston, Lizzie Hannan, Bridget Doley, Catherine Sullivan, Minnie Judd, 
Agnes O'Brien, Mary O'Brien, Rose Ryan, Nora Delay, Lizzie Mansel, 
Katherine Murphy, Katherine Hayes, Annie Delay, Catherine Kennedy, 
Lillian Hayes, Catherine Lonergan, Nellie Minery, Margaret Norton, 
Catherine Lambert, Susan Holden, Bridget Daley, Johanna Hummell. 




Members of the I'ur, 



I'in aiui Feather Club, 
Wolcott Mountain. 



at 



leir club house on 



584 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 585 



FRANKLIN LODGE, No. 56, F. and A. M. 

Franklin Lodge, No. 56, F. and A. M., was instituted January 7, 1819, 
and have had their lodge home in various halls of the town until the erec- 
tion of the present Masonic Temple, which was dedicated November 16, 
1892. The membership at the present time numbers about 320, and the 
lodge has had forty masters since its charter was granted. Following 
is the list of masters : Geo. Mitchell,* 1819, '29, '30, '31, '32. '3,3, '34, '36, '37. 
'38, '39, '41, '42, '44, '45; Philip Gaylord,* 1821, '24, '35; Asa Bartholomew,-'' 
1822; Orra Martin,* 1823; C. B. Andrews,* 1825, '26, '28; Irenus Atkins,* 
1827; Henry A. Mitchell,* 1853; C. I. Elton,* 1854, '57, '58; S. \V. 
Squires,* 1855; J. H. Austin,* 1856; Dan A. Miller,* f 850 ; J. H. Root,^ 
i860, '61; Lester Goodenough,* 1862, '63, '64, '65, '69, '70; Roswell At- 
kins,* 1866; Edw. Ingraham,* April, 1866; Gilbert Penfield,* 1867, '68, 
J. E. Ladd, 1871, '73; S. M. Norton,* 1872, '74. '87: S. M. Suthill,* 1875, 
H. A. Peck, 1876; Seth Barnes, 1877, '78; H. K. Way, 1879, '80; M. H. 
Perkins,* 1881, '82: W. E. Bumiell. 1883; S. W Forbes, 1884, '85, '86; 
A. Q. Perkins, 1888; J. R. Holly, 1889, '90: G. W. Wooster, 1891, '92; 
John Winslow,* 1893; A. F. Rockwell, 1894, '95; J- C. Russell, 1896, '97; 
M. L. Lawson, 1898; F. A. Southwick, 1899; C. W. Stewart, 1900, '01, 
L. L. Beach, 1902; C. L. Wooding. 1903; A. D. Wilson, 1904; C. N. 
Parsons, 1905; A. G. Beach, and H. A. Vaill. 

* — Deceased 



586 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




0^ 






'^ 



o 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 587 

Ethan Lodge, Knights of Pythias, was organized October 25, 1883, 
with 22 charter members, with the following officers : George Hall, C. 
C. ; Wm. H. Nott, V. C. C. ; Wm. B. Coulter, P.; Walter G. Austin, K. 
of R. S. ; George Schubert, M. of E. ; Frank Dutton, M. of F. ; Lewis 
Smith, L G. ; Fred Crane, O. G.. Present officers named as they are 
grouped in the photograph from left to right : H. C. Wright, Outer 
Guard; J. W. Bidwell, Prelate; Wm. J. Parker, Master of Work; H. C 
Rockerfeller, M. of E. ; Wm. F. Porter. M. of F. ; Wm. S. Elwin, Chan- 
cellor Commander; C. S. Lasher, V. Chancellor; L. H. Lasher, Inner 
Guard; H. N. Law. K. of R. S. 




Oflficers Nathan Hale Council, No. 18, O. U. A. M., readmg from left 
to right: Councilor, W. E. Throop;Vice Councilor, A. E. Barnes; Record- 
ing Secy., A. B. Judd ; Financial Secy.. J. D. Burgess; Inductor, Arthur 
Bristol. (Photos by Mr. I'lnoop, Calc Stitdio.) 

Nathan Hale Council, No. 18, O. U. A. M., was instituted June 30, 
1885. The following were the charter members : H. M. Simons, Theo. 
Schubert, J. R. Hollev, John Seaman, W. E. Throop, F. Dresser, N. A. 
Robinson, C. D. M. Clark, W. J. Stone, E. H. Yale, W. E. Shelton, John 

D. Monaghan, E. P. Woodward. W. R. Coe. Weslev J. Thomas, Joseph 
Reynolds, J. F. Clark. A. G. Clark, M. R. Keeney, George H. Elton, A. 
C' Dresser. C. A. Hart. C. E. Munson, J. H. Swift, C. E. Woster, Geo. 
Angeling. Edward Barnes, George F. Cook, George A. Gowdey, Charles 

E. Ingraham, A. P. Stark, Alfred Brockway, Nath. Peck, Robert Hall. 
The meetings are held in the old Masonic hall at the corner of Laurel and 
North Main streets. 

The following are the first officers of the council: Councilor, H. W. 
Simonds ; vice-councilor, Theo. Schubert; recording iccretary, J. K. Hol- 
lev; corresponding secretary, John Seaman; financial secretary, W. E. 
Throop ; treasurer, F. Dresser ; indentor, N. H. Robinson ; examiner, 
C. D. M. Clark ; inside protector, W. J. Stone ; outside protector, E. A. 
Yale; trustees, John Seaman, M. E. Shelton and John Monoghan. 

After a few years they fitted up a nice hall at the corner of Main and 
Prospect streets, and occupied it for ten years and at the expiration of 
their lease moved to their present quarters, in the G. A. R. hall, North 
Main street. 

This order stands for everything pertaining to the interest of the 
American people and is purely an American order and should be supported 
by all good American people. The present officers are : Councilor, W. E. 
Throop; vice-councilor. E. A. Barnes; recording secretary, A. B. Judd; 
assistant secretary. H. Bancroft ; financial secretary, J. D. Burgess ; treas- 
urer, Wm. Van Ness; inductor, A. Bristol; outside protector, J. Swift; 
junior ex. C, W. E. Neslon ; senior ex. C, A. T. Clark; trustees, G. T. 
Cook, W. E. Nestor and A. Bristol. 



588 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




OflBcers Turner's Society, 1907 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 589 



BRISTOL TURNER SOCIETY. 

The Bristol Turner Society was organized August 2, 1903, for the de- 
velopment of the body and athletics in general. Inaugurated April 6, 
1904, with a public exhibition of gymnastics and a grand ball. The 
present officers (March i ,190") are: President, Paul Stein; Vice-Presi- 
dent, Frank Gallousky ; Recording and Corresponding Secretary, Oscar 
A. Jorres ; Financial Secretary, Charles Kutz ; Treasurer, Henry Quanz ; 
Turnwart, August Gerick ; Collector. Aug. Stichtenoth ; Hallenwart, 
Arthur Kleefeld ; Hall Agent, Charles Kutz. 

The charter membership was as follows : Simon Cossick, Gustave 
Frohlich, William Frohlich, Otto Frohlich, Karl Frohlich, August Gerick, 
Baker Hummel, Wm. Herrman, B. Heppner, Chas. Kutz, Arthur Kleefeld, 
Thomas Luchsinger, Ernst Nurnberger, Armand Pons, Henry Quanz, 
Theodore Quanz, Pius Schussler, Wm. Schonauer, Paul Stein, O. F. 
Stromz, Tommy Casey, Fred Sigmund, James McKiernan, Dr. Deichman, 
Ignatz Bachman, Ch. Hoffmann, Tom Casey, Simon Cossick. 

Monthly meeting every second Sunday, 2 p. m. at old Town Hall. 

Gymnastics every Monday and Thursday, 8:10 p. m., at old Town 
Hall. 

Ladies' Turn Society, organized April 2, 1906. Its present officers 
are: President, Pauline Nurnberger; Vice-President, Bertha Gallowsky; 
Recording and Corresponding Secretary, Bertha Ehlert ; Financial Sec- 
retary, Mary Heppner ; Collector, Jvlary Heppner ; Treasurer, Hattie 
Jorres. 



590 



BRISTOL, cor NECTICUT 



^''' 



ip^ -IS*-'* V 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 591 



RELIAMCE COUNCIL, No. 753, R. A 

Reliance Council, No. 753, Royal .Arcanum, was instituted April 3, 
1883, with twenty charter members. Their names were: H. F. Hender- 
son, T. F. Barbour, W. B. Adams, H. B. Cook, T. D. Merriman, D. 
DeWolf, H. S. Goodale, W. J. Geer, G. S. Hull. W. W. Dunbar, Geo. 
Merriman, G. J. Bentley, H. W. Barnes, C. E. Russell, C. T. Olcott, 
T. B. Robinson, G. W. Baker, C. H. Riggs, A. M. Sigourney, S. R. 
Goodrich. Of these twelve are still members, three have died. Since 
the council was instituted, twelve members have died, eleven being in- 
sured for $3,000, and one for $2,000. The present membership is 135. 

The Order of the Royal Arcanum was chartered by the legislature of 
Massachusetts in 1877. It is primarily a fraternal life insurance organi- 
zation, and now has a membership of over 243,000. It has paid out in 
death benefits, over $105,000,000 within the 31 years of its existence, and 
payments are usually made in from one to three weeks after death. It 
has an emergency fund, which was not started untjl 1898, which now 
(1908) amounts to more than $4,000,000. 

All the securities of this fund are lodged with the Treasurer of the 
state of Massachusetts, as the laws of that state rerjuiie. 

Reliance Council has a loan fund, in the hands of the Collector, from 
which the assessments of delinquent memliers are temporarily paid. By 
such accommodation their membership i,> kept good, and for it a small 
fee is charged. 

There are 12 regular assessments each year, and an e.xtra assess- 
ment has never been called. 



592 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Oh 



O 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



593 



Pequabuck Chapter, No. 32, R. A. M. 

Pequabuck Chapter, R. A. Masons, was instituted "May 22, 1866 with 
Rev. Brother Arza Hill as High Priest. The officers (March, 1907) are 
as follows : Louis L. Beach, Secy. ; J. M. Buskey, Tylei ; Wm. R. Russell 
C. of H.; H. Austin Vaill, R. A. C; Stanley D. Gwillim, C. of ist V. 
John W. Bryce, K. ; Morris L. Tiffany, P. S. ; C Norton Parsons, H. P. 
J. Fay Douglass, C. of 3rd V. ; Joseph C. Russell, Treas. ; Geo. F. Brown, 
C. of 2d v.; Jas. T. Case, S. The names of the above are given in the 
order that they appear in the picture, reading from the left to the right. 




Daughters of Rebckah, "Magnolia" Lodge, No. 41, L O. O. F. was 
instituted November 21, 1895. Meets second and fourth Tuesdays of each 
month. Present membership, one hundred and forty. Officers named as 
they appear in the photograpli, reading from left to right : Mrs. Anna M. 
Pfeniug, Treas. ; Mrs. Frances Swanston, Trustee ; Miss Bertha Ruic, 
Rec. Sec; Mrs. Martha Nearing, Financial Secy.; Mrs. Ida M. McGar, 
Noble Grand ; Mrs. Edna Robbins, Vice Grand. 



594 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




d 
d 



o 



p^ 



NEW CAMBRIDGB. 



595 



Ruth Rebekah Lodge. No 24, I. 0. N. F. 

Ruth Robekali Lodge, No. 24, I. O. O. F., was organized May 22, 
t888, with 48 charter members. The present membership is 90, with the 
following officers (March, 1907): Noble Grand, Lena Nystrom; Vice 
Grand, Bessie Griswold ; Past Grand, Stella Simmons ; Inside Guard, 
Mercy Clinton ; Warden, Flora Bailey ; Left Supporter, C. B. Smitb ; 
Sitting Past Grand, Alice Clark; Treasurer, Mrs. James Mathews; Finan- 
cial Secy., L. E. Cucel ; Recording Secy., Louise Miller ; Chaplin, Lottie 
White ; Left Supporter of N. G. ; Mrs. E. H. Brightman. 




ST. .ANN S L.\DIES T. A. B. SOCIETY. 



ST. ANN'S LADIES' T. A. B. SOCIETY. 

St. Ann's Ladies' T. A. B. Society of Bristol was organized 
May 24th, 1904, by County Director Brother Wm. O'Mara of New 
Britain, with a membership of twenty. 

The following were elected officers: President, Mary Grisner; 
Vice President, Julia Fitzsimons; Recording Secretary, Anna Daley; 
Financial Secretary, Nellie Coughlin; Treasurer, Mayme Mulligan; 
Marshall, Lauretta Simmons; Sentinel, Elizabeth Mulligan. 

The object of this society is to provide for each other's temporal 
welfare by giving relief in case of sickness or accident and aiding in the 
burial of deceased members. Also to cultivate a social and fraternal 
spirit among young ladies. 

The society has grown very rapidly for the last three years, having 
been admitted to the State Union in February, 1906. 

They have had many public entertaimnents, which were very suc- 
cessful, as well as social affairs among the members. 

This society has two meetings a month, the second and last Tues- 
day, and pays a weekly l:)eneht in case of sickness. 



596 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

BRISTOL GRANGE, No. 116. 




Officers Bristol Grange, No. Ii6, reading from left to right: Burdette 
A. Peck, J. B. Mathews, Master; Harry Tuttle, Overseer; Mrs. Edna 
Robbins, Lecturer; Harry S. Elton, Lecturer; Chas. Pond, Steward; Mrs. 
Ella Freeman, Chaplin ; Mrs. Ella M. Gaylord, Treas. ; Raymond Perkins, 
Asst. Steward. 



Bristol Grange, No. 116, was organized April 16, 1890, with thirty- 
three charter members. The first Master was Elbert Manchester, who 
took a dimit from Whigville Grange and rendered very efficient service 
in organizing this Grange. Whigville Grange has many times furnished 
by dimit, valuable members for Bristol Grange. B. A. Peck, Past Master 
of Bristol Grange and present Overseer of Connecticut State Grange, 
being among the number. 

The other officers elected were: Overseer, J. M. Peck; Lecturer, 
Mrs. Ellen F. Judson; Steward, George R^ Tuttle; Assistant Steward, 
George B. Evans; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. Annie E. Bailey; 
Chaplain, Titus C. Merriman; Treasurer, H. C. Butler; Secretary, 
Emerson F. Judson; Flora, Miss Mary Wilcox; Pomona, Mrs. James 
Wilhams; Ceres, Mrs. WiUiam Hotchkiss; Gate Keeper, C. S. Blanchard. 
Since then the following have served as Masters: Elbert Manchester, 
Johnathan M. Peck, B. A. Peck, Elbert W. Gaylord. 

The losses by death since its organization have been: Wallace 
Barnes, George R. Tuttle, (charter members) Charles Churchill, Emily 
G. Bailey, Henry E. Way, M. D., Mrs. E. D. Lamb, Mrs. Minnie B, 
Ramson,"Mrs. Rosa M. Judd, Edward L. Linker, Sarah L. Jud.son. 

Along social lines the Grange ranks well in the long list of the frater- 
nal organizations of the town. 

Bristol Grange for a number of years enjoyed the distinction of 
being the largest Grange in the State of Connecticut. The present 
membership is two hundred and twenty-eight. 

The present officers are: Master, John B. Matthews; Overseer, 
Harry Tuttle; Lecturers, Mrs. Edna Robbins, H. S. Elton, Allen Man- 
chester; Steward, Charles Pond; Assistant Steward, Raymond Perkins; 
Chaplain, Mrs. Ella Freeman; Treasurer, Mrs. Ella M. Gaylord; Secre- 
tary, Mrs. Marv C. A. Perkins; Gate Keeper. Mrs. Emma Hills; Ceres, 
Mrs. Edith Cook; Pomona, Mrs. F. Edith Williams; Flora, Mrs. Emily 
Cleveland; Ladv Assistant, Miss Gertrude Tallis. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



597 



WHIGVILLE GRANGE. No. 48, P OF H. 



Whigville Grange, X(_i. 48, P. of H., was organized June 2, 1886, 
by State Master J. H. Hale of Glastonbury. Its organization was the 
outcome of what had been called "The Farmer's Club," composed of 
farmers and their wives from West District, Farmington, Burlington, 
of which Whigville forms part, and the north part of Bristol. At these 
meetings debate and research in best farni methods with domestic 
subjects for the wives of the club men, made a good foundation for the 
after-work in the Grange, where like subjects, as well as music, literature 
the drama and history. 

Whigville Grange was organized June 2, 1886. Worthy Master 
Hale was assisted by Brothers Baker and Barnes of Cawasca Grange 
and Kimberly and Patterson of Hope Grange. The charter members 
were forty in nuinber, and were as follows; Mr. and Mrs. B. Emorv 
Barker. Mr. and Mrs. Edwin M. Gillard, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin H. Gillette, 
Mr. and Mrs. Augustus A. Lowrey, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram P. Lowrey, 
Mr. and Mrs. Lester L. Lowrey, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Matthews, 
Mr. and Mrs. Dwight E. Mills. Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Morris, Mr. 
Bvron Matthews, Mr. George W. Atwood, Mr. and Mrs. Burdette A, 
Peck, Mr. and Mrs. Don C. Peck, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Hart, Mr. and 
Mrs. A. W. Saunders, Mr. and Mrs. j\lark B. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Frank 
Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Ira Taft, Mr. and Mrs, James Webster, Mrs. 
Maria Thompson, Mrs. Sarah Bradley, Mrs. Celia Wilcox, Mr. Samuel 
D. Newell. Of these charter members, twenty-nine are living. 

Bristol Grange is a daughter of Whigville, many of the charter 
members of the former, belonged to the latter. At first Whigville Grange 




Officers Wliigville Grange, No. 48, P. of H., rcavling from left to 
right: Master, Ernest W. Hart; Overseer, Dwight K. Mills; Lecturer, 
Ruth G. Atwater ; Chaplin, Lester L. Lowrey ; Steward, Augustus A 
Lowrey; Asst. Steward, Geo. M. Henry; Treas., Arthur D. Carnell ; Secy 
Robert S. Carnell; Gate Keeper, Wm. Saunders; Ceres, Mrs. Cora Broad 
bent; Pomona, Mrs. Abbie Mills; Flora, Miss Genevieve Thorpe; Lad} 
Asst, Miss Ruth Morris . 

Photo by Throop, Gale Studio. 



598 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

met in "School Hall," but early in 1893, decided to build a hall of their 
own, on land given by L. L. Lowrey. Largely aided by the late Edward 
F. Gaylord, an enthusiastic Patron, the "Grange Hall" was built and 
dedicated in June, 1893. It cost about $1,100, largely raised by contri- 
butions from its members. 

The Grange has had for Master the following persons: 
1886-'88. E. M. Gillard, now residing in Bristol. 
1888-'94. L. B. Pond, now residing in Unionville. 
1894-'96. E. F, Gaylord. 

1896-'97. Mrs. Sara Bradley of Whigville, showing the Grange to be 
up-to-date, with "The New Woman" in the chair of 
the chief executive. Mrs. Bradley was the first lecturer 
of the Grange, and held the office seven years. 
1897-'98. E. F. Gaylord. 
1898-'00. D. E. Mills. 
1900-'02. E. F. Gavlord. 
1902-'04. L. L. Lowrey. 

1904-'05. E. F. Gaylord. Mr. Gaylord's death in May, 1905, was a 
great loss to the Order; one that is felt keenly today. 
His term was filled out by 
1905-'06. E. S. Gillette. 
1906-'07. A. D. Carnell. 

1907-' . E. W. Hart. Mr. Hart represents the younger portion of 
the Grange, as did Messrs. Carnell and -Gillette. 
Whigville Grange has been well represented in the higher degrees 
of the Order, different officers in Central Pomona, No. 1, have been 
from its members and Mrs. E. F. Gaylord was State Grange Ceres for 
several years. 

The first officers of Whigville Grange were: Master, E. M. Gillard; 
Overseer, A. W. Saunders; Lecturer, Mrs. Sara Bradley; Chaplain; 
Chas. H. Matthews; Treasurer, L. L. Lowrey; Secretary, B. A. Peck, 
Steward, H. P. Lowrey; Assistant Steward, M. B. Stone; Gate Keeper, 
E. H. Gillette; Ceres, Mrs. E. M. Gillard; Pomona, Mrs. James Webster; 
Flora, Mrs. D. E. Mills; Lady Assistant Steward, Mrs. C. E. Morris. 

The present officers are: Master, Ernest W. Hart; Overseer, 
Dwight E. Mills; Lecturer, Ruth G. Atwater; Chaplain, Lester L. Low- 
rey; Steward, Augustus A. Lowrey; Assistant Steward, George Henry; 
Treasurer, Arthur D. Carnell; Secretary, Robert S. Carnell; Gate 
Keeper, William Saunders; Ceres, Mrs. Cora Broadbent; Pomona, 
Mrs. Abbie Mills; Flora, Miss Genevieve Thorpe; Lady Assistant, Miss 
Ruth Morris; Pianist, Mrs. A. D. Carnell. 

The present membership of Whigville Grange, No. 48: Ruth G, 
Atwater, Arthur W. Barker, Mrs. Annie Barker, Mrs. Edna Barnes. 
Mrs. Sara Bradley, Archibald H. Bradley, Mrs. Mary Bradley, Mrs. 
Cora Broadbent, Laura Brainhall, Paul Brainhall, Walter S. Beach, 
Rose Beebe, Myron L. Butler, James L. Byington, Mary Byington, 
Arthur D. Carnell, Mrs. Jennie G. Carnell, Robert S. Carnell, John A. 
Carlson, Earl B. Curtiss, Mrs. Amy R. Cleveland, Mrs. Sarah E. Curtiss. 
Mrs. Effie J. Curtiss, Wellington L. Curtiss, Mrs. Louise Curtiss, Edwin 
H. Elton, Mrs. Veronica C. Elton, George H. Elton, Bessie Elton, Sylvia 
Elton, James E. Elton. George A. Edwards, G. Elton Edwards, Mrs. 
Addie Edwards, Estella R. Ender, Charles E. Gaylord, Mrs. May Gay- 
lord, Mrs. Martha Gaylord, Mrs. E. H. Gillette, E. Samuel Gillette, 
Mrs. Miriam C. Gillette, W. O. Goodsell, Mrs. W. O. Goodsell. 

Maida Green, Ruth E. Gardner, Mrs. Jane Hart, Ernest W. Hart, 
Salmon G. Hart, Mrs. Helen Hart, Arthvir J. Hanna, Bertha Hanna, 
Mrs. Minnie Hanna, Gilbert Hatch, Mrs. May Hatch, Virginia Hatch, 
Olive R. Hatch, George W. Henry, Grover Henry, Ernest Hinman, 
Ida Hough, Maude Huntington, Jennie Hurley, Maurice Hurley, Isaac 
JulifT, Hiram A. Jones, Kitty M. Jones, Henry Joy, Mrs. Luna C. Ken- 
nedy, Alfred Krappatsch, Edward Krappatsch, Elizabeth LaMont, 
Matthew LaMont. Mary LaMont, Augustus A. Lowrey, Mrs. Ida Lowrey, 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



599 



Mrs. Elnora Lowrey. Hiram P. Lowrey, Mrs. Delia Lowrey, Edwin W. 
Lowrey, Lester L. Lowrey, Mrs. Lillie Lowrey, Annis Lowrey, Mrs. 
Fannie Matthews. Edwin A. Matthews, Mrs. Etta Matthews. 

Arthur Messenger, Mrs. Deha Messenger, Dwight E. Mills. Mrs, 
Abhie Mills, Elmer A. Mills, Harrison B. Mills, Francis A. Mills, Robert 
S. Morse, Chas. E. Morris, Mrs. Annie Morris, Ruth L. Morris, Partha 
G. Norton, Herman J. Ockels, Ernest Peterson, Agnes Peterson, Arthur 
Reed, William W. Reed, A. W. Saunders, Mrs. L. S. Saunders, Arthur 
Saunders, William Saunders, Charles Saunders, Sarah Scoville, Wheaton 
Scoville, Sherman B. Scoville, Mrs. Flora B. Scoville, Joseph D. Slocum, 
Mrs. Ina Stone, William Stone, Rachael Spencer, Charles Snow, Mrs. 
Daisy Snow, Edgar J. Stuart, Mrs. Annie Stuart, Theodore L. Thomas, 
Mrs. Eliza W. Thomas, Eugene H. Thomas, Genevieve Thorpe, Mrs. 
Harriett Tuttle, Duane Webster, Mrs. Alvira Webster, Mrs. Celia Wilcox, 
L. Cecil Wilcox, Ruben Wellington, George Wells, K. H. WoUman, 
Ella M. Winston, FrankWinston. 




A group of Bri.'itol Police, reading from left to right : Ernest T. 
Bclden, Chief; Thos. F. Gucking, Capt. ; Clarence Lane, James O'Connell ; 
Fish; Geo. Schubert; A. Legasse; C. Hough; Daniel McGillicuddy; A. 
Breault. (Photos by Mr. llitoop, (udIc Studio.) 



BELL CITY ARIE, F. O. E. 

Bell City Aerie, F. O. E., organized February id, rooj, present mem- 
bership 250. Officers March, 1907, named in the order in which they 
appear in the iphotograph, reading from left to right : John J. Welsh, 
Trustee ; John Burns, Inside Guard ; John Johnson, Outside Guard ; Fred 
B. Michaels, Treas. ; Thos. O'Brien, Secy.; Thos. Clucking, Trustee; J. 
H. Davis, Pres. ; John Lonergan, V. Pres, ; W. R. Hanrahan, M.D., Doc- 
tor; Wm. A. Hayes, Chaplin. 



600 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




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OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



601 




602 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



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•i^ 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



603 



Tlie St. Jean Baptist Society was organized on the loth of November, 
1886, by the following : .A.drien Taillon, Amedie, Fregeau, Odilace Taillou, 
Pierre Allaire, Augustin Cote, Leandre Brault, Leon Lacourse, Oliva 
Landry, Fanie Lupieu, ,\thanase Dumaine, Joseph Phaneuf, Octave La- 
course, Joseph Bechard, Napolean Brault. Jean B. Isabelle, Etienne 
Quisonault. 

The charter was issued about two years later, on the 19th of October, 
1888. The motive of this society is to unite under one banner the French- 
Canadians of our city and vicinity. To be a member of this society one 
must profess the Roman Catholic religion, be not less than 15 and not 
more than 45 years of age. 

The sick benefit is $5.00 a week during twelve weeks in twelve months. 

The society to-day numbers 115 members and is increasing rapidly. 

SCANDINAVL-\N SICK AND DEATH BENEFIT SOCIETY. 




Officers I March, l'J07) 

With a view to mutual protection in the time of sickness and death, 
twenty-seven well-known men of the town, who were natives or de- 
scendants of Scandanavia, assembled on November 11, 1882, and or- 
ganized the Skandanavian Sick and Death Benefit Society. The society 
was established as a purely local organization, having no affiliations 
with State or national bodies. 

The objects of the organization are charitable — to bring aid to 
the members in the time of sickness and bereavement and also to respond 
to any cry of distress among the members. Its membership is not con- 
fined wholly to men, but ladies are also enrolled. 

From Its institution, under careful officers, the society has had a 
steady and healthy growth. The present membership numbers eighty. 
With the increase of membership, the treasury has kept apace and the 
society is in a good financial condition. The society has met all of its 
obligations promptly, and furnishes a nurse in extreme cases of illness. 

John Berg was its first president, and after eleven successful years 
the society was incorporated under the laws of the State of Connecticut 
in 1893. The members are now planning a big jubilee celebration in 
honor of the twenty-fifth anniversary in the fall. 

The society meets the fourth Saturday of each month at the lecture 
room of the Swedish Lutheran Church. All communications to the 
Order should be sent to Algot Nelson, 9 Stewart Street. The present 
officers of the society are: First President, John M. Bergh; Second 
President, Joseph Lindholm ; Third President, Mrs. Maria Carlson; 
Secretary, Edgar Gustafson ; Assistant Secretary, John L. Anderson; 
Financial Secretary, Algot Nelson; Treasurer, Victor Lindholm; Chap- 
lain, H. A. Wiberg; Inside Guard, Benjamin Gustafson. 



604 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




The One Hundred Men Sick Benefit and Burial Society "Star." was 
organized 1892 and incorporated 1903. The following are the officers at 
present (March, 1907) named in the order they appear in the photograph 
reading from left to right. B. Gustafson. Guard ; Chas. Anderson, Secy. ; 
Chas. Vallin, 2d Trustee ; Edward Gustafson, V. Pres. ; Nils Pierson, 
Rec. Secy. ; Chas. Benson, Treas. ; Martin Pierson, President ; Edward 
Olson, Fin. Secy. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



605 




606 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




St. Joseph's Sick Benevolent Society was organized April i8, i8g2, 
with seventeen charter members, as follows : Joseph Blum, Rudolph Bach- 
man, Eugene Blum, John Engbert, Enos Bachman, Joseph Aulbach, John 
Griesner, Bernard Kather, Joseph Ehlert, Anthony Grove, Joseph PYies, 
August Rerich, Anton Heppner, Adam Spielman, Roman Bachman, Da- 
mian Fries, William Engels. The installing officers were : Thomas 
Kunkel and E. Wachner of Bridgeport. Receipts since organization, 
$1,950.00; expenditures, death and sick benefits, $1,547.54; balance in 
treasury, $402.46. Present membership (March i, 1907), twenty-five, 
with the following officers : President, Arthur Clayvelt ; Second President, 
August Gerrick ; First Secretary, John Englert ; Second Secretary, Ru- 
dolph Bachman ; Treasurer, John Greisner ;_ Trustees, W. Englert, Julius 
Bachman. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



607 




li 



U 



< 



608 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Societe Des Artisans Canadienes Francais 

Societe Dcs Artisans Canadiens Francais, was organized in May, 1903. 
The following are the officers at prseent (March, 1907), named as they 
appear in the picture, reading from left to right : Osias Lebeau, Napoleon 
Landry, Emanuel Rondeau, Aime Millite, Napoleon Dube, Rodolphe Beau- 
doin, Joseph Landry, President, and Dosithe Breault. 



THE SWEDISH TEMPERANCE SOCIETY LODGE "FRIHETr* 

No. 40. 

This society was founded November 11, 1905, with eight charter 
members, as follows: President, Axel Sjogren; vice-president, Carolina 
Larson; secretary, Gustave Johnson; collector, Jons Lindvall ; sermon 
master, C. E. Johanson ; chaplain, Kristina Larson ; inner door watch, 
Jennie Larson ; treasurer, Elizabeth Johnson. 

The first ordinary meeting was held November 18, 1905. At this 
meeting fifteen joined the society and from these the rest of the officeri 
were elected, which are as follows: Lodge invisar, Gusiave Johnson; rep- 
resentative, Alfred Johnson ; assistant secretary, Josephina Carlson ; outer 
door watch, Joseph Anderson ; assistant sermon master, Selma Persson ; 
past president, Mary Pasmusson. 

This society was formed to fight the use of intoxicating drinks, and 
anyone who can talk the Scandinavian language may jom the organization. 
This is a world-wide society and its headquarters is in Stockholm, Swe- 
den. Frihet, No. 40, is a branch of the England Grand Lodge of Hart- 
ford, Conn. 

Our lodge meets every Friday night in the new T. A. & B. Hall on 
North Main street. We now have forty members all of good standing 
up to April 12, 1907. The above picture shows who are officers now. 

President, C. E. Johnson ; Vice-President, Jons Lindvall ; Represent- 
ative from Young People's Templar, Gustave T. Lundahl ; Secretary, 
Vincent Quislberg; Collector, Anton Chellberg ; Treasurer, Ester Ander- 
son ; Sermon Master, Arthur Anderson ; Chaplain, Henney Nelson ; Inner 
Door Watch, Joseph Anderson ; Outer Door Watch, John Carlson , 
Assistant Secretary, Harry Linden ; Assistant Sermon Master, Lilliam 
Linden; Past President, Per Lindell ; Lodge Invisar, Gustave Johnson. 



* — "Frihet" or Liberty. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE 



G09 




O 



.610 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Thomas A, Tracy, First Exalted Ruler 

BRISTOL LODGE, No. 1010, B. P. O. ELKS. 

Late in the year of 1906 several young men who were affiliated 
with the lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks in the 
neighboring cities, conceived the idea of organizing a lodge in Bristol. 
The idea met with the immediate approval of every Elk residing in the 
town. A dispensation was applied for to Grand Exalted Rviler Robert 
Brown, by the following brothers: W. J. Tracv, C H. Tififanv, F. C. 
Stark, J. F. Gleeson, P. H. Condon, W. ]. Madden, T. A. Tracy and 
C. D. O'Connell. 

The preliminary work was completed so that the new lodge was 
instituted at the Opera House on Wednesday evening, January 24, 
1906, by District Deputy Dr. James H. Kelley of New Haven, in the 
presence of 800 visiting Elks from all parts of this State and Massa- 
chusetts. The initiatory work was conferred by the degree team of 
New Britain Lodge, No. 957. 

After the initiatory work and institution, the members and guests 
adjourned to the Armory where a banquet was served, followed by 
addresses by Editor A. C. Moreland, of the Elks' Antlers; Alexander 
Harbison, of Hartford; Dr. James H. Kelley, of New Haven; Thomas 
L. Reilley, of Meriden; John D. Shea, of Hartford; Patrick McGovern, 
of Hartford; George E. Bunney, of New Britain; William J. Malone, 
Noble E. Pierce, Roger S. Newell, Adrian J. Muzzy, D. Brainard Judd, 
Burdette A. Peck, and George A. Beers, all of the new lodge. The pro- 
gram was also generously interspersed with musical numbers. 

The new lodge was instituted with a membership of sixty-two, with 
the following officers: Exalted Ruler, Thomas A. Tracy; Esteemed 
Leading Knight, Roger S. Newell; Esteemed Loyal Knight, James F. 
Gleeson; Esteemed Lecturing Knight, William j. Malone; Secretary, 
F. Clinton Stark; Treasurer. Charles R. Riley;. Tyler, Harry C. Rocke- 
feller; Esquire, Charles H. Curtiss; Inner Guard, William L. O'Connell 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



611 



Chaplain. Rev. William H. Morrison; Trustees, D. Brainerd Judd, 
Patrick H. Condon, and Dewitt Page. 

The charter list of the lodge consisted of the following: H. G. 
Arms, B. O. Barnard, A. S. Barnes, D. M. Barry, G. H. Blakesley, G. A. 
Beers, H. G. Brown, T. H. Brown, H. D. Brennan, W. S. Buckingham, 
W. H. Carpenter, P. A. Cawley, G. E. Cockings, j. J. Coughlin, C. H. 
Curtiss, C. H. Dcming, A. W. Griswold, W. A. Hayes, J. H. Hayes, D. J. 
HefTernan, W. T. Hofsees, D. B. Judd, F. P. Kennedy, W. J. Lambert, 
M. Loughlin, W. J. Malone, C. V. Mason, P. J. Mc'Cue, J. McGinnis, 
J. D. Monaghan, F. E. Meder, W. H. Morrison. W. C. Morgan, A. L. 
Morse, H. G. Murnane, A. J. Muzzv, F. C. Norton, H. B. Norton, N. 
Nissen, R. S. Newell, M. O'Connell, T. G. O'Connell, D. W. Page, B. A. 
Peck, N. E. Pierce, I. E, Pierce, M. E. Pierson, C. R. Rilev, G. L. Roberts, 
A. F. Rockwell, J. D. Rohan, E. L. Shubert, F. T. Thorns, B. P. Webler. 

The following came into the new lodge by demit from New Britain 
and other lodges: T. A. Tracy, W. J. Tracy, F. C. Stark, C. H. TifTany, 
P. H. Condon, J. F. Gleeson, C. D. O'Connell and W. J. Madden. 

The new lodge has had a steady, healthy growth and increased its; 
membership to 100 during its first year. The present officers of the 
lodge are: Exalted Ruler, Charles H. Curtiss; Esteemed Leading- 
Knight, Henry E. Myers; Esteemed Loyal Knight, William L. O'Connell; 
Esteemed Lecturing Knight, William C. Holden; Secretary, F. Clinton 
Stark; Treasurer, S. Edwin Green; Tyler, Richard T. Lambert; Trus- 
tees, D. Brainerd Judd, Patrick H. Condon, and Dewitt Page. 

The lodge at present meets each first and third Monday evening at 
Pythian Hall, but expects within a few years to have an Elks' home of 
its own- 




Bristol Band, Old Home Week. 



612 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Group of 

Officers and members of Co. D., Hibernian Rifles, (March, 1907)- 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE." (i 1 3 



BRISTOL DIVISION. AN'CIEXT ORDER OF HIBERNIANS. 

Bristol Divnsion, No. i, .\iicieiit Order of Hibernians, ranks high 
among the benevolent organizaiions of Bristol. This division was or- 
ganized on December i~. 1887, with eleven charter members ; of the 
original members only two are now left, Michael J. Cavvley and William 
Kane. 

The installation exercises were held upstairs in the old ]\Iitchell 
building on Main street, where Cleveland's store now stands. 

As the division increased in numbers and reputation, it moved to 
various meeting places in order to accommodate the constantly increas- 
ing lodge. The old Y. M. C. A. building, with the Skelly block, were 
among the places where the lodge met. Eventually headquarters were 
secured in the commodious hall of the Y. M. T. A. B. society and here, 
at regular meetings, the lodge holds forth in large numbers. The mem- 
bership is rapidly approaching the two hundred mark, and when the 
society celebrates its twentieth anniversary in December of the present 
year, it is confidently expected that the double century mark will be 
reached. 

It is interesting to note that Michael J. Cawley. the original president 
of the division, who was instrumental in organizing the society, has held 
every office possible, and is still active in the affairs of the lodge. He 
has also been present at every state and county convention held since 
the organization of the local division. 

An idea of the excellent work done by the division can be gleaned 
from the fact that over $10,000 has been expended for benevolent pur- 
poses. The division has always been active in supporting the church 
affiliation of its members and has many handsome trophies awarded for 
popularity. A magnificently mounted silver loving cup stands in a con- 
spicuous place in the lodge room, as a striking example of the division's 
triumph over other fraternal organizations in a recent friendly contest. 

The last county convention of the order was held in Bristol, and the 
delegates were entertained in true Bristol style. The present officers 
of the division are: President, Jeremiah McCarthy; vice-president, Thom- 
as Hackett ; treasurer, Thomas Moran ; financial secretary. David Kelley, 
and recording secretary, John J. Donnelly. 

Bristol Division enjoys the honor of having had one of the first 
uniformed degree teams in Connecticut, and it is in constant demand at 
various meetings throughout the state. 

The present finances of the division are excellent, and the outlook 
for the future is bright. 

The Ladies' Auxiliary, A. O. H., Division No. 23, of Bristol, was or- 
ganized Sunday, June 30, igor, by State President Mrs. Eleanor McCann 
of South Manchester, and County President Miss Nellie Turley of 
Hartford, with the following members: Mrs. P. Swift, Mrs. C. Smith- 
wick, Mrs. M. Carey, Mrs. J. Foley, Kathryn Foley, Flora Foley, Hannah 
Foley, Mary Griffith, Annie Diniene, Minnie Diniene, Mary McMahon, 
Anna O. Harrigan, Rose Linnehan, Annie Mansel, Ellen Mansel and 
Kathryn Jones. 

The following officers were nominated and elected : President, Mary 
McMahon ; vice-president, Anna Harrigan ; recording secretary, Rose 
Linnehan ; financial secretary, Minnie Diniene ; treasurer, Maude C. 
Smithwick; sergeant-at-arms, Annie Diniene; sentinel, Mary Griffith. 

The charter closed September 6, 1901, with 131 members enrolled. 

During the first year, as well as the years following, we had several 
social hours, which helped to promote good fellowsliip among the mem- 
bers. 

In March, 1902, the five officers of our division, attended their first 
convention, held at Meridcn. 



614 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



The first anniversary of the society was held in June, 1902, at T. 
A. B. hall, the members of the First Division and also the Ladies' Aux- 
iliary of New Britain, being present. 

An event of great importance to our auxiliary was the County Con- 
vention, which was held in the Pythian hall, October 13, 1904. This 
was attended by all the division officers of Hartford county. 

The society has a well trained degree team, and during its six years 
of existence it has been to Thomaston, Southington and Terryville to 
exemplify the first, second and third degrees. 

The present membership of the society is one hundred and fifty-six. 

During the life of the order the angel of death has entered into our 
presence, taking six of our beloved sisters to their eternal home, and 
although we miss them we know they are safe in their heavenly home. 

The auxiliary has been prosperous and has helped the various char- 
ities which called upon it for assistance. 

The present officers of the society are : President, Anna C. Harri- 
gan ; vice-president, Mary Casey ; recording secretary, Mayme Harrigan ; 
financial secretary, Nellie Doyle ; treasurer, Mrs. Fitzsimons ; sergeant- 
at-arms, Annie Diniene ; sentinel, Agnes Murray. 




A. O. H. Tug-of-War Team. 



"NEW CAMBRIDGE." 015 



COAIPANION COURT GENEVA. NO 99. 

Companion Court Geneva, No. 99, was organized November 27, 1904 
by J. B. Vallee of Waterbury, Conn. The officers installed for the year 
1907 are: Court Deputy, Geneva Berchard; Ex-Chief Ranger, Marie Mo- 
quinn ; Chief Ranger, Eglantin Cote ; Vice Chief Ranger, Josephine 
Bechard ; Treasurer, Delia Lutieu ; Financial and Recording Secretary, 
Oglore Lufieu ; Orator, Elize Vauasse ; Organist, Valeda Cote; Senior 
Woodward, Alphonsine Jodoin ; Junior Woodward, Pomela Dube ; Senior 
Beadle, Dora Buell ; Junior Beadle, Melecie Vanasse. Companion Court 
Geneva is one of the only French Companion Courts in Bristol, was or- 
ganized with a membership of 20 and now numbers 45. It is a very pros- 
perous little court. Meetings are held in the French parish hall on the 
2d Thursday of each month. 

The charter members are Josephine Bechard, Geneva Bechard, Delia 
Duval, Virginia C. Benoit, Bertha Marcotte, Alphonsine Jodain, Marie 
Moquin, Milicie Vanosse, Dora Lemaine, Marie L. Dauphinois, Emma 
Duval, Virginia C. Bensit, Bertha Marcotte, Alphonsine Jodain, Marie 
A. Jodoin, Mauthe Carriguan, Angelina Alexandre, Valido Grenier. 



L'UNION SAINT-JEAN-BAPTIST D'AMERIQUE. 

The local lodge was opened Sept. 9, 1906. The first lodge of the order 
being organized in Woonsocket, R. I.. May 7, 1900, and while the order 
is young, it is rapidly growing. The fundamental principle is fraternal 
insurance. 



BRIGHTWOOD CAMP, No. 7724, M. W. of A. 

Brightwood Camp, No. 7724, M. W. of America, was organized in 
February 15, 1899 in T. A. B. Hall with fifteen charter members, the 
society has a steady and healthy growth and to-day numbers over one 
hundred members. Since the organization of the society there has been 
eight deaths and every claim paid promptly. The head office of the 
Modern Woodmen of America is in Rock Island, Illinois and numbers 
over 1,000,000 members on its roll. It is an insurance order and offers 
protection to American citizens at a very low cost. The society meets 
the 3rd Friday of every month in the G. A. R. Hall on North Main street. 
It is the largest fraternal insurance organization in the world ; also the 
cheapest. 



OLIVET CHAPTER, No. 29, O. of E. S. 

Olivet Chapter, No. 29, Order of the Eastern Star, was organized 
February 14, 1888, with a charter membership of forty. The present 
membership (Mar. r, 1907) is one hundred and eight, with the following 
officers named as they appear in the photograph, reading frgim left to 
right : Alary Parsons, Ruth ; Anna Schmelz, Electa ; Estelle Ely, Chaplin ; 
Mary Buck, Warder ; Bertha Beede, Organist ; Ellen F. Judson, Secretary ; 
Ida McGar, Esther; Josie Elwin. Conductress; Maude Bryce, Associate 
Matron ; Emily Brown, Worthy Matron ; George Brown, Worthy Patron ; 
Lelia Coe, Marshal ; Rachel Brown, Adah ; Bessie Warner, Conductress. 

Clara B. M. Douglass, Martha, and Judson Buskey, Sentinel, do not 
appear in the group. 



616 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




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OR NEW CAMBRIDGE 



617 




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BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




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OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



619 




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620 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Katkerine Gaylord Chapter, D.A.K.. 



Organized April 19, 1894. Present membership (April i, 1907), 129. 
Charter members: Florence Emlyn Downs Muzzy (Mrs. Adrian J.), Mary 
Harriet Seymour Peck (Mrs. Miles L.), Mary Jane Atwood, Charlotte 
Stearns Griggs, Grace Brownell Peck (Mrs. Epaphroditus), Laura Electa 
Seymour, Clara Lee Bowman, Pierce Henderson Root-Newell (Mrs. Ed- 
ward E.), Lucy Hurlburt Tovvnsend Treadway (Mrs. Charles S.), Mary 
Elizabeth Brewster Brainard (Mrs. Wilbur F.), Alice M. Bartholomew, 
Edith Barnes Ladd (]\Irs. Wyllys C), Angie Manross Sigourney (Mrs. 
Albert M.). Minnie Louise Tuttle, Louise Griggs Goodwin (Mrs. Willard 
E.), Ida Cook Chidsey (Mrs. John T.), Annie Whiting Darron, Grace 
Ella Seymour Ingraham (Mrs. William S.), Ellen Amy Peck, Iva Clarissa 
Darron, Anna Clarke Tuttle, Katherine T. Curtiss (Mrs. Harrison). 

The officers April i,- 1907, were: Regent. Mrs. Carlyle F. Barnes; 
vice regent, Mrs. William S. Ingraham; recording secretary, Miss Mary 
C. Peck; treasurer, Mrs. Chas. M. Kent; registrar, Mrs. Mary F. Martin; 
corresponding secretary, Mrs. Wilbur F. Brainard; historian, Mrs. Edson 
M. Peck. 

North Cemetery Committee — Miss Clara L. Bowman, ]\Iiss M. Jennie 
Atwood, Mrs. ^liles Lewis Peck and Mrs. Mary F. Martin. South Ceme- 
tery Committee — Mrs. Adrian J. Muzzy, Miss Mary P. Root and Misi 
Mary C. Peck. Advisory Board— Mrs. Geo. W. Mitchell, Mrs. Albert L. 
Sessions, Mrs. Flarry W. Barnes and Mrs. Chas. T. Treadway. Foreign 
Citizens' Committee — Mrs. E. E. Xewell, Mrs. Miles L. Peck and Miss 
Ella A. Upson. Music Committee — Mrs. Charles T. Treadway. Auditor — 
Mrs. S. Waldo Forbes 



OR "NKW CAMBRIUGE." 



621 




Ofhcers 

IXDEPEXDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. 

(Companion Court, Victoria, No. 146.) 

Companion Court was instituted Januarj- 13, 1905 with tlic membership 
of ?^. The charter members were as follows: C. Deput\, Ai>nes O'Brien; 
P. C. R., Mary Farrdl ; C. R., Malinda Lange ; V. C. R.'. Xellie Coughlin; 
R. S.. Hannah Shaw ; F. S., Lottie E. White ; Treas., Julia Fitzsimmons ; 
Orator, Edith Shaw ; S. W., Lucv Letomneau ; J. W., Laura Letomneau ; 
S. B.. Elizabeth Hynds ; J. B., Mary Mills; Physicians. Dr. O. J. Beach, 
Dr. H. D. Brennan ; S. J. C, Bessie Day; Organist, ]\Iary O'Brien; the 
rest of the charter members were : Ellen Collins, Stella Russell, Wil- 
helimina Gleeson, Anna Aulback, Nellie Gloadc, Amelia Leary, Ellen 
Leary, Emma Robey, Bertha Ochler, JMary Sawe, Mary Moriarity, Mar- 
garet Moriarity, Mary Buskey, Rosie O'Brien. 



622 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 




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OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 623 



PEQUABOCK LODGE, No. 48, I. O. 0. F. 

Instituted February 8, 1883, by the following Grand Lodge officers: 
L. I. Munson, Grand Master; Harry Andrews of No. oL', Deputy Grand 
Master, pro tern.; Thomas E. Templeton, Grand Sentinel, pro tern.; 
George Barry, Grand Marshall; William Terry, Grand Inner Guard; 
Joseph A. Peck of No. 5, Grand Warden, pro tern.; Frederick Botsford, 
Grand Secretary. 

Five m.embers of good standing, living in Bristol, having asked 
for a charter, a meeting of the Grand Lodge was called to order in the 
afternoon and the following officers elected and installed: Noble Grand, 
Charles H. Steel; Vice Grand, Dr. E. P. Woodward; Secretary, A. H. 
Stahm; Treasurer, William C. Daab, who with Charles C. Steele had 
asked for the charter and after being installed the m.eeting was ad- 
journed to evening when the following named persons were taken in 
and given all the degrees: 

A. H. Stahm, R. A. Crothers, Geo. J. Shubert, Fred A. Crane, J. C. 
Christinger, J. W. Hickey, E. Alderman, A. Lane, H. Holt. E. J. Brose, 
C. H. Warren, Charles H. Steele, Dr. E. P. Woodward, Wm. C. Daab, 
Geo. H. Olmstead, Charles F. Micheal, Theo. Dresher, L W. Tyler, E. 
Mohler, O. A. Jones, C. E. Raymond, M. L. Perkins. 

Pequabock Lodge, No. 48, has in its twenty-four yeais of life con- 
tributed its share in the building up of Odd Fellowship in Bristol, as 
many of its members can testify to, and as the following detailed report 
will show- 
Amount received for dues .'if;23,452 . 20 

Paid out in sick benefits 7,769.78 

Paid for the care of inembers of other Lodges 863.99 

Paid for the relief of widows ." 288.73 

Watching 1)24 . 17 

(For many years the Brothers watched with a Brother.) 

Money paid for paraphernalia 1 ,3( . 00 

Money deposited in bank 1,401). 17 

Number initiated 294 

Present membership 182 

Number of Past Grands 40 

I. W. Tvler was appointed our first district deputv in 1893-94, 
Charles J. Anderson in 1901, C. B. Smith, 1905-07, L W. Tyler was 
the first to receive the Grand Lodge Degree, was our lirft deputy and 
is still active in the Lodge. Of the charter members, L W. Tyler, Fred 
A. Crane, Charles F. Michael, E. G. Brose, M. L. Perkins, father of our 
present Noble Grand, C. E. Perkins, are at the present time members 
of Pequabock Lodge. 

Philip Pond, father of the present Grand Master, was initiated in 
old Pequabock Lodge, No. 48. 

Respectfully submitted in F., L. and T., 
C. B. SMITH. 
F. A. GRISWOLD, 
FRANK SMITH, 
FRED WILLIAMS. 



624 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Present Officers of Pequabuck Lodge. 

Past Grand, A. Stephenson; Noble Grand, C. E. Perkins; Vice 
Grand, Geo. B. Michael; Secretary, F. Wilder; Permanent Secretary, 
W. T. Tyson; Treasurer, F. A. Griswold; Warden, E. P. Choiniere; 
Conductor, Geo. Scherr; Inside Guard, W. Burnham ; Outside Guard, 
Paul Nichols; Right Supporter Noble Grand, C. F. Michael; Left Sup- 
porter Noble Grand, A. A. Lilgren; Right Supporter Vice Grand, Fred- 
erick Miles; Left Supporter Vice Grand, J. Johnson; Right Scene Sup- 
porter. Jos. Galipo; Left Scene Supporter, Chas. Dickinson; Chaplain, 
F. J. Smith. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE 



625 




o 



3 

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626 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



STEPHEN TERRY LODGE, No. 59, I. O. O. F. 

Stephen Terry Lodge, No. o\), I. O. O. F., was instituted April loth, 
1892, by George H. Cowell, Grand Master, assisted by Charles B. Ware, 
Deputy Grand Master, Frederick Botsford, Grand Secretary, and John 
W. Smith, Grand Treasurer. 

The following are the names of the charter members: Seth W. 
Beebe, Henry M. Cadwell, Geo. M. Howes, Chas. H. Kimberly, B. T. 
Lyons, Henry W. Morgan, Chas. C. Morgan, John H. Simmons, G. T. 
Steele, Adolphus D. Washburn, Arthur F. Woodford, Chas. R. Wood. 

At the close of the ceremonies of institution, the charter members 
were called to make a choice of officers, with the following result: Noble 
Grand, Henry M. Cadwell; Vice Grand, Chas. H. Kimberly; Recording 
Secretary, L. D. Waterhouse; Permanent Secretary, A. D. Washburn; 
Treasurer, W. H. Merritt. The above named officers were installed by 
Grand Master Cowell. A team from Nosahogan Lodge, No. 21, then 
initiated forty-eight candidates. 

At the close of the first term ending December 31, 1892, Stephen 
Terry Lodge numbered 84 members. At the present time. May, 1907, 
our roll numbers 358. We have lost by death 16 members. 

Since the lodge was instituted, we have paid in benefits and relief, 
$10,114.40. Amount of invested funds, $3,000, and furniture and para- 
phernalia which is insured for $2,500. 




Some Officers Stephen Terry Lodge, No. 59, L O. O. F. 

Present officers: Noble Grand, Samuel W. Howe; Vice Grand, 
B. B. Robbins; Secretary, J. G. Beckwith; Financial Secretary, W. B. 
Chapin; Treasurer, Ira L. Newcomb; Right Siipporter Noble Grand' 
Charles Johnson; Left Supporter Noble Grand, E. M. Church; Warden 
Roland D. Barnes; Conductor. S. E. Dunning; Right Scene Supporter, 
Leon Barnum; Left Scene Supporter, James HinchcHff; Outside Guard, 
Clarence Mallory; Inside Guard, John Beaton; Chaplain. Arthur C. 
Jewett; Right Supporter Vice Grand, Henry Soule; Left Supporter 
Vice Grand, William W. Grant. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGB. 



627 




628 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



VICTORIA LODGE, No. 13, D. H. 

Victoria Lodge, No. 13, D. O. H., was organized Mar. 22, 1891, with 
twenty charter members. Present membership (March, 1907), forty-four. 
The following are the present officers (March, 1907), named as they ap- 
pear in the picture, reading from left to right: Mrs. Louisa Geisweit, 
Trustee; Mrs. Rose Lucksinger. Vice-President; Mrs. Johanna Hummel, 
Treasurer ; John Englert, District Deputy ; Mrs. Louisa Schreck, Secre- 
tary; Mrs. Augusta Bachmann, President; ^Irs. Magdalena Englert, 
Financial Secretary. 



GUTTENBERG LODGE, No. 570, D. O. H. 

The above named lodge was organized January 27, 1889. There 
were twenty-two charter members, as follows : First President, Anthon 
Wolfe; Second President, Louis Bachman ; Treasurer, Lawrence Matz; 
Secretary, Amandus Bachman ; Joseph Aulback, Frank Bachman, Damian 
Fries, Fred Herold, John Ott, John Ronalter, John Spielman, Erwin Salg, 
Fred Zang, Joseph Zang, Bruno Gerth, Oscar Jorrcs, Theodore Tresher, 
August Stamm, Joseph Blatman, Charles Wieget'. Chas. Wolfe, John 
Warenburger. 

These members were installed the same day, which was January 27, 
1889, by State Deputy, George Shultzer of Hartford; President, John 
Row of New Britain; Secretary, George Mischler of Aleriden ,and Treas- 
urer, Gustave Whaler of Rockville. 

Present officers are : Debitor, Rudolph Bachmar. ; First President, 
Lawrence Spieler ; Second President, Roman Bachman ; Secretary, Jo- 
seph Aulback; Financial Secretary, Amandus Bachman; Treasiu^er, Enos 
Bachman. 



BRISTOL SUB-DIVISION, NATIONAL RED CROSS. 

A gruup of the members of The Bristol SubT)ivision American Na- 
tional Red Cross : i Julian McGar, 2 James Burgess, 3 Leroy Green, 4 
Claude Griswold, 5 Lester Sigourney, 6 Robt. Lee, 7 Harry Daniels, 8 
Gilbert Smith. 9 Raymond Cook, 10 Harvey Wilder, 11 Kenneth Abbott, 
12 Frederick Beatson, 13 Elmer Whittier, 14 Lawren;e Steele, 15 Chas. F. 
Olin, 16 Ira Smith, 17 Irving Wasley, 18 Eric Waldo, 19 Samuel Steele, 
20 Clarence Thomas, 21 Clarence Bond, 22 Walter Wade, 2;^ Paul Pelkj^ 
24 Gustave Lundahl. 



SESSIONS LODGE, No. 44, K. of P. 

Sessions Lodge, No. 44, Knights of Pythias, was organized Mar. i, 
1905, with a charter membership of thirty. The mebership in March, 
1907 was fifty. Names of officers as they appear upon the picture, reading 
from right to left are as follows : E. N. Bunnell, master at arms ; J. H. 
Warner, past chancellor ; Arthur Potter, master of finance ; J. W. Bun- 
nell, keeper of records and seal; W. B. Crumb, master of exchequer; 
Fred Percival, prelate ; H. E. Lawreace, outer guard ; C. W. Daniels, past 
chancellor; F. G. Osborne, master of work; H. N. Downs, chancellor 
commander; C. J. Foster, past chan:ellor; W. C. Warner, inner guard; 
J. W. Yale, past chancellor ; C W. Taylor, vice chancellor. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE 



629 







630 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




W 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



631 




Ionic Council, No. ^i, R. & S. M., was granted its charter May ii, 
1904, and started with 19 charter members, who were formerly members 
of Doric Council, No. 24, of New Britain. 

The membership now numbers over 50 and has had three masters : 
C. Norton Parsons, 1904; Frank L. Mathes, 1905 and 1906, and Louis L. 
Beach for 1907. 



632 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



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OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



633 



BRISTOL FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

From Notes by Roswell Atkins 




Fire Dept. Chief Engineer, Harlan B. Norton; 1st Asst. Engineer, Mathew 
McCormick; 2d Asst. Engineer,, John M. Hayes. 

Previous to ISoo the Town of Bristol had no other protection from 
the ravages of fire than the unorganized bucket line, notwithstanding 
repeated demonstrations of the necessity for something had been oft 
repeated, especially in 1845, by the total destruction in a few short 
hours of the largest manufacturing establishment in the town, consisting 
of three large shops with out buildings, located on Main Street between 
-School street and Riverside avenue, belonging to the Chauncey Jerome 
Clock Co., resulting in the removal of the entire plant to New Haven, 
and about the same time the Terry Clock shop, located near the Pierce 
bridge, was destroyed, under the excitement of which a charter was 
obtained for a fire company, consisting of forty-five men, thirty-five 
of whom might be military subjects, but as no apparatus was provided, 
after several attempts to organize a company, the matter was dropped 
until in 1853, the business men residing in the south part of the village, 
headed by Edward L. Dunbar, Alanson S. Piatt and Alphonso Barnes, 
took the matter in hand systematically and raised by subscription some- 
thing over two thousand dollars, built an engine house on School street 
near Main, purchased a hand engine and a hose cart, such as were in 
use at that day in most of the cities, and five hundred feet of leather 
hose, secured a charter for a coinpany of sixty men, as Bristol Engine 
and Hose Co., Xo. 1, to be located within one half mile of the bridge 
over the Pequabuck river on Main street, and in September of that 
year the first fire company was duly organized and the property placed 
in their care, thus forming the nucleus oi the present department. 



634 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

The first action of the town in reference to the matter was in 1856, 
by an appropriation of six hundred dollars for the purchase of hose, 
at which time the property on School street, which had been bought 
by individuals, was deeded to the town, since which time repairs have 
been paid for by the town, previous to this the members paid for them 
from their own pockets, except occasionally upon solicitation manu- 
facturers assisted them, their only remuneration being exemption from 
poll and military taxes. 

In 1870, those living in the north village, having witnessed the 
effectiveness of even one hand engine in confining the destruction by 
fire to the single building in which it was discovered, and learning that 
a good engine of the same capacity as Xo. 1, could be secured at a reason- 
able price of the City of Norwich and also a hose cart, raised by sub- 
scription a sum of money sufficient to secure them, and also erected 
the building now known as Engine House No. 2, on North Main street. 
In this matter Mr. Wm. W. Carter and Lester Goodenough were par- 
ticularly active. And a charter was granted as Uncas Engine and Hose 
Co. No. 1 (that being the name of the engine), with an allowance of 
seventy men, and in October, 1870, a company was organized and placed 
in possession to care for and use the property for the purpose designed. 

It soon became apparent that in many instances ladders, axes 
and hooks were needed in order to successfully cope with the element, 
and in 1872, a light truck with several ladders, the longest being forty 
feet, were purchased, and the No. 1 engine house lengthened to receive 
it, and a charter having been obtained for a company consisting of forty 
members at any time as Zealot Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1, a company 
was organized and occupied these quarters for about two years, when a 
building was erected on Meadow street (its present location) in order 
to have it more centrally located. 

In 1881, the citizens of Forest ville, having purchased a steam fire 
engine and a hose carriage, obtained a charter for a company allowing 
one hundred men as Welch Steam Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. 1, of 
Forest ville, a company was organized and the town erected a suitable 
building for the storage of the apparatus and the use of the company. 
In the same year the town appropriated the sum of seven thousand five 
hundred dollars ($7,500) for the purchase of a steam fire engine to be 
located with the hook and ladder truck on Meadow street, and Hon' 
Edward B. Dunbar, Samuel P. Newell, Esq., and John H. Sessions, Jr.' 
with the chief engineer and the selectmen were appointed a committee 
to procure the same. 

After a thorough canvass of the matter this committee came to 
the conclusion that the interests of the town would be better served by 
the purchase of two lighter engines, located as the hand engines were, 
and so reported. 

This decision was approved by the citizens generally, and two La 
France rotary engines were purchased, and the results have proved the 
decision to have been a wise one by the quickness of the arrival of one 
engine at a fire in any part of the village. 

This outfit did good service until the introduction of a system of 
water works in 1885 rendered the use of engines for the most part un- 
necessary wherever hydrants could be reached. Soon after one of the 
rotary engines took the place of the apparatus in use in Forestville, and 
the other was placed with the truck on Meadow street for use in case of 
emergency. One of the hand engines and the old steamer in Forestville 
were sold! The original No. 1, Hand Engine, was retained as a relic or 
survivor, it having been built for the town in 1853 by A. W. Roberts 8c 
Co. of Hartford. A new hook and ladder truck with extension ladders 
was purchased in 1889, and the old one sold. 

In 1871, the town for the first time, appointed a Board of Fire 
Commissioners, consisting of five inembers, to have a general super- 
vision of the department, and the appointment of a Chief Engineer and 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



635 



assistants, and in 1875, compensation of twenty cents per hour was 
voted the members of the department for services at fires. 

In 1881, the number of Commissioners was increased to six, and 
instead of annual appointments, two were to be elected each year to 
serve for three years, and a code of by-laws was adopted for the regulation 
of the department. 

The following persons have served as commissioners, most of them 
until death or resignation: Dr. James H. Austin, James E. Ladd 
Josiah T. Peck, Julius Nott, Wm. W. Carter, Laport Hubbell, Edward 
B. Dunbar, Julius R. Mitchell, Edward Ingraham, Roswell Atkins, 
George H. Miller, John H. Sessions, Sr., John Birge, Samuel D. Bull, 
George W. Mitchell, George H. Hall, Charles H. Deming, John H. Ses- 
sions, Jr., and the following have served as chief engineers: William 
W. Carter, Henry A. Peck, William A. Dunbar, Roswell Atkins, James 
Hanna, Joseph T. Bradshaw, George H. Hall, Howard G. Arms, most 
of them having served in other capacities previously. 

The department by its promptness to respond to alarms, whether 
in summer's heat or winter's cold, at noonday or dead of night, its skill 
and tenacity of purpose to leave nothing undone to secure safety of 
life and property, has won a reputation at home and ainong insurance 
adjusters, of which they are justly proud, having frequently been com- 
plimented for their successful control of fires in exceedingly close and 
dangerous conditions, and the harmony which exists throughout the 
department is a matter of congratulation. 




Enguieer Fred McGor. 



Stoker Fred Mitchell. 



636 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Group of 
Oflficers and members of Bristol Engine and Hose Co., No. i, (Mar., 1907). 



OR NEW CAMBKIDOE. 



n37 



BRISTOL EXGIXE AXD HOSE CO. XO. r. 

In 1853 the business men residing in the south part of the village, 
headed by Edward L Dunbar, Alanson S. Pratt, and Alphonzo Barnes, 
raised by subscription something over $2,000, built the engine house on 
School street, near Main, purchased an engine and hose carriage, such as 
were in use at that time in most of the cities, also 500 feet of hose, 
secured a charter for a company of sixty men, as Bristol Engine and Hose 
Co.' No. I, to be located within one-half mile from the bridge over the 
Pequabuck river on Main street, and in September of that year the first 
fire company was duly organized, and the property placed in their care, 
thus*( forming the nucleus of the present department. The first action 
of the town was in 1856, by an appropriation of $600 for the purchase 
of hose, at which time the property purchased by individuals on School 
street was secured by deed and bill of sale to the town, since which time 
repairs have been paid for from the town treasury, previous to which the 
members paid for them from their own po:kets, or solicited from the 
property holders, their remuneration being exemption from poll and mili- 
tary taxes only. The illustration on the opposite page shows the officers 
and men March, 1907. 




No. 1 Hose Company's Tug of War Team. 



638 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Officers and members of Zealots Hook and Ladder Co., No. i, 
(March, 1907). 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 639 



ZEALOTS HOOK AND LADDER CO. NO. i. 

Li 1872 a light truck with several ladders, the longest being forty 
feet, was purchased, and the No. i engine house lengthened • to receive 
it. A charter having been granted to James Hanna, James A. Matthews, 
Thomas Parsons, William Root, and William Curtis, and associates, as 
Zealots Hook and Ladder Co. No. i, to the number of forty at any one 
time, a company was organized occupying these quarters for about two 
years, when a building was erected on Meadow street (its present loca- 
tion), in order to have it more centrally located. The half-tone illustra- 
tion on the opposite page shows the officers and men March, 1907. 



640 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




C 

'c 

C 



o 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE " (341 



UNXAS FIRE COMPANY. 

It had been argued that there should be located at the North End of 
Bristol, then growing very fast, a fire company, as much valuable property 
would be lost in case of fire, if too much dependence was placed upon 
the only fire company in town, which was doing a great deal of good, 
but was located at tiie south end of the town. So, through the efifortj 
of William Carter, O. D. Warner, James E. Ladd, Harry Henderson, J. 
T. Peck, George Lewis and H. L. Beach, a company was organized and 
petitioned the General Assembly to incorporate them into a fire engine 
company. 

In May, 1870, the General Assembly granted a charter to the above 
named men and others who were interested, for a fire company. 

At this late day it is impossible to give an accurate history of the 
old company whicli disbanded May 30, 1894, when the new company was 
organized under the efforts of Howard Arms, who was then chief of the 
department. 

The first meeting of the present company was held May 30, 1894,. 
with Chief Arms in the chair, and on July 5, 1894, the following officer^ 
were elected : Foreman, Joseph Conzelman ; first assistant, C. R. Good- 
enough ; second assistant, E. O. Porter. 

It has always been a matter of comment, not only of the citizens of 
the town, but of visitors, of the quick response to fires of the entire de- 
partment. It has been the custom of the Uncas Company to start im- 
mediately with cart, without waiting for the truck and horses which are 
located at the south end of the town, and which would cause, if waited 
for, the loss of valuable time at fires. 

The following is a copy of resolutions presented to the company after 
a hard and disastrous fire : 

"At a meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners held November 
16, 1905, it was unanimously voted that a letter of thanks should be writ- 
ten each company, relating to their efficient services at tires ; and in behalf 
of the town the commissioners do hereby thank you all for your loyalty 
and bravery in the work. We trust that the drenching which many of 
you often receive of ice cold water will not cool your ardor, but that you 
will continue the good work in the future as in the past." 

The Uncas House is always open to its active and honorary members 
in which there are card tables and pool room, with which to amuse one- 
self. A phonograph has also been bought and is at the disposal of mem- 
bers, and is in constant use, especially on Sunday afternoon and evenings. 
Clam suppers have become a noted event with the friends of the com- 
pany. The first clam supper was held in December, 1895, and since that 
time the company has given from three to eight in a season.. It has been 
customary to invite the town and borough officers, as well as the Fire 
Commissioners, at least once a year to enjoy a steamed clam supper with 
the members. 

The company have held several lawn festivals and concerts on their 
spacious lawn. The first of these was held in May, 1897, which proved 
so successful that others have been given with same degree of success. 

The only fair the company has given was held in the Opera Plouse in 
January, 1902. 

In Jvovember, 1895, the company paid a visit to the Plantsville Com- 
pany in Plantsville and presented the company with a pitcher. On April 
19, 1898, the company was presented by the members of the former com- 
pany, three large elegant silver trumpets, which have ornamented the 
parlors as well as being very useful to the officers. 

On March i, 1897, the company fitted out a room that had been set 
aside, into very elaborate parlors, which is the pride of the company. 



642 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Otticers and Members of Uncas Hose Company 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



64? 



It has a full set of leather seated chairs and tete-a-tete, a lounge, oak 
table, ak secretary's desk and a very handsome chandelier. 

On March 4, 1897, the members opened the house to the public for 
their inspection and the company received very high praise in the taste- 
fulness of the decorations and the general interior. 

On August 2, 1898, the Fire Commissioners and honorary members 
were given a reception in the parlors. 

The company has been to several of the surroundmg towns and par- 
ticipated in parades. The following towns are among those visited by 
the company: Plantsville, Thomaston and Torrington. 

The cart decorations have been most elaborate, the young ladies of 
the north end have taken a great deal of interest in the company and on 
all of its parades have spent evening after evening decorating the cart 
with flowers. 

The company has had two different uniforms; the first was a blue 
used by a great many of the city departments. On April 21, 1901, the 
imiform now worn by the company was adopted and has been the cause 
of very high praise for the company. The first time the new uniforms 
were worn was at the parade held in Torrington, August 10, 1901. The 
first time the company appeared m the uniforms in Bristol was at the an- 
nual inspection of the department held in September, 1901. 

The company has in the basement an apparatus for washing hose,, 
which is the only one like it in use. It was gotten up and built and pat- 
ented by members of the company and with a few men a thousand feet of 
hose can be thoroughly washed in ten or fifteen minutes. 

It is very sad to look back over our records and find that some who 
were once active in our circle have been taken by death. The first of 
our members who have died was George Van Ness who died March 16, 
1896. On December 12, 1901, Walter Pond died. On September 21, 1904, 
Walter Hill died. 




Uncas Hose Company. 



644 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Officers ami members of Welsh Steam Fire Engine and Hose Co.. No. i, 

(March, 1907). 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 645 



WELCH STEAM FIRE ENGINE AND HOSE CO. NO. i. 
(Of Forestville.) 

In 1881 the citizens of Forestville, having purchased a steam fire 
engine and hose carriage, and a charter having been granted George H. 
Mitchell, Laport Hubbell, Chaunce}' L. Hotchkiss, Isaac W. Beach, Ho- 
bart Booth, and Samuel D. Bull, and associates, to the number of loo 
men at any one time, as Welch Steam Fire Engine and Hose Co. No. i, 
of Forestville, a company was organized and the town erected a suitable 
building for the storage of the apparatus and the use of the company. 
The company has prospered since its very beginning, and is at present in 
first class condition, being splendidly equipped and having a fine personnel. 
On the opposite page is shown a group picture of the officers and men in 
March, 1907. 



646 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



GILBERT W. THOMPSON POST No. 13, G. A. R. 

Gilbert W. Thompson Post, No. 13, Department of Connecticut, G. 
A. R., was organized December 6, 1882, with the following charter mem- 
bers : 

Nelson Bronson, ist lieut. U. S. Army, retired; Grove E. Castle, 
private, Co. C, 8th Conn. Vols.;, Wm Hubbell, private, Co. K., i6tli 
Conn. Vols. ; Walter H. Hutchinson, private, Co. C, 12th Conn. Vols., 
and 1st lieut. 99th U. S. Vols. ; George Merriman, Jr., private, Co. K, 
i6th Conn. Vols.; Irving W. Tyler, private, Co. K, 20th Elaine Vols.; 
Merwin H. Perkins, corporal, Co. E, 20th Conn. Vols. ; Augustus Lane, 
private, Co. I, ist C. V., H. Art. ; Henry H. Riggs, private, Co. C, 
8th Conn. Vols. ; Franklin Ball, mitsician, Co. C, lOth Conn. Vols. ; James 
S. Reynolds, private, Co. I, 97th N. Y. Vols.; Gilbert S. Richmond, pri- 
vate, Co. I, 25th Conn. Vols.; George J. Schubert, corporal, Co. I, 25th 
Conn. Vols.; Silas M. Norton, ist sergeant, Co. K, i6th Conn. Vols.; 
Wm. W. Dickens, wagoner, Co. A, nth Conn. Vols. ; Theodore Schu- 
bert, bugler, Co. A, ist Conn. Cav. ; W. E. Shelton, private, Co. D, 5tn 
Conn. Vols.; Clifford D. Parsons, private, Co. A, 8th Conn. Vols.; 
Wm. H. Adams, sergeant, Co. M, ist Conn. Cav. ; Asa Dillaby, corporal, 
Co. A. i8th Conn. Vols. ; Burnham W. Francis, private, Co K. i6th 
Conn. Vols.; Aldelbert D. Webster, corporal, Co. ', 2nd C. V., H. Art.; 
Fred W. Crane, private, Co. A, i6th Conn. Vols. ; Sereno T. Nichols, 
private, Co. i, 25th Conn. Vols. ; Henry A. Peck, captain, Co. I, loth 
Conn. Vols. ; Gilbert J. Bentley, sergeant, Co. B, 37th Mass. Vols. ; 




Some Members Gilbert W. Thompson Relief Corps, March, 1907 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



647 




Past Commander Franklin Bali. 

Newell Moulthrop, private, Co. H, 23d Conn. Vols.; George H. Bates, 
corporal, Co. D, 2d C. V., H. Art.; Chas. E. Russell, private, Co. A, 
20th Conn. Vols. ; Samuel R. Terrell, private, Co. D, 2d C. V., H. Art. ; 
Mortimer R. Keeney, corporal. Co. B, 13th Conn. Vols. ; David W. Hall, 
captain, Co. H, 4th Engrs. ; Wni. C. Hillard, hos. steward, U. S. army; 
Arthur S. Parsons, private, Co. G., i6th Conn. Vols. 

ROSTER JANUARY i, 1907. 

Roster January i, 1907. 

Wm. Hubbell, Walter H. Hutchinson, Geo. Merriman, Irving W. 
Tvler, Franklin Ball, Tlieodore Schubert, Wm. H. Adams, Henry A. Peck, 
Newell Moulthrop, Geo. H. Bates, David W. Hall, Wm. C. Hillard, Arthur 
H. Parsons, Austin D. Thompson, Henry B. Cook, Gilbert H. Blakesley, 
Geo. B. Chapin, Timothy B. Robinson, Wm. C. Richards, Harrison S. 
Judd, Wm. H. Nott. Henry S. Avery, Z. Fuller Grannis, ^Marvin L. Gay- 
lord, Albert C. Loomis, Elbert Manchester, Asahel A. Lane, Heman A. 
Weeks, Wm. L. Weeks, Augustus H. Funck, George H. Grant, Fairfield 
Dresser, Napoleon B. Neal, Chas. B. Upson, Aaron C. Dresser, Amzi P. 
Clark, Hiram W. Simons. Walter F'ish, Chas. H. Johnson, Watson N. 
Smith. George T Cook, Thomas Bunnell, Clarence H. Muzzy, Hubert D. 
Royce or Rice, Wm. L. Norton, William W. Cone, Ira B. Smith, Homer 
W. Griswold, Sylvester P. Harrison, Isaac W. Judd, Nathan L. Bartholo- 
mew, John Walton, Francis Williams, Edward H. Allen, Epaphroditus 
Harrison, James B. Sanford, Stephen C. Robbins, Geo. F. Nichols, Clif- 
ford D. Parsons, Leroy T. Hill — total, 60. 



LIST OF OFFICERS, MARCH i, 1907. 

Post Commander, George T. Cook ; S. V. Commander, George H. 
Bates; J. V. Commander, Harrison S. Judd: Surgeon, Henry A. Peck; 
Chaplain, Franklin Ball: (Officer of Day. Hiram W. Simons; Officer of 



648 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Guard, Walter Fish; Quartermaster, George B. Chapin ; Adjutant, Ira B. 
Smith; Sergeant-Major, Walter H. Hutchinson; Quartermaster-Sergeant, 
Thomas Bunnell. 

LIST OF POST COMMANDERS. 

George Merriman, Walter H. Hutchinson, Franklin Ball, Wm. Hub- 
bell, Irving W. Tyler, Wm. C. Hillard, Timothy B. Robinson, Z. Fuller 
Granniss, Albert C. Loomis, Heman A. Weeks, Ira B. Smith, John Wat- 
son 

GILBERT W. THOMPSON RELIEF CORPS 

On the 2d day of January, 1884, Gilbert W. Thompson Relief Corps, 
No. 4, of Bristol, was organized, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Keifer of Wadhams 
Corps, Waterbury, acting as the instituting and installing officer. The 
number of charter members was 27, viz. : Emma Parlin, Ellen Morse, 
Ellen Grant, Mary Norton, Mary Nott, Minnie Chapin, Sophia Schubert, 
Mary Merriman, Fannie Stone, Augusta Judd, Henrietta Thompson, Re- 
becca Hall, Martha Russell, Althea Hutchinson, Parmelia Holmes, Susan 
Traver, Hattie Webster, Emma Arnold, Sarah Potter, Alice Cook, Eva 
Yale, Ellen Dickens, Minerva Hungerford, Ida Stillman, Jennie Riggs, 
Betsey Downs, Jennie Williams. The tirst officers of Thompson Corps 
were : President, Emma Parlin (who is now Emma Wright of New Brit- 
ain, where she has since been President of Stanley, No. 12) ; Senior 
Vice-President, Henrietta Thompson ; Junior Vice-President, Minnie J. 
Chapin; Secretary, Mary B. Nott; Treasurer, Sophia M. Schubert; 
Chaplain, Ellen Morse ; Conductor, Ida Stillman ; Guard, Jennie Riggs. 




OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



649 



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650 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




O 

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OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



651 



WOMAN'S RELIEF CORPS. 

Newton S. Manross Woman's Relief Corps, Xo. 9, Auxiliary to 
Manross Post, was organized December 10. 1884. with a charter member- 
ship of twenty, including Forestville and Plainville ladies. 

Its first officers were: Sarah E. Reynolds, President; Kate F. 
Hills, Senior Vice President; Mary L. Tinker, Junior Vice President; 
Alice E. Wilson, Secretary; Jennie B. Atkins, Treasurer; Sarah J;. 
Graves, Chaplain; Georgiana Newell, Conductor; Laurie E. Frisbie, 
Guard. 

The meetings were held in the old Firemen's Hall until it was de- 
stroyed by fire, the Corps losing its original charter and organ. A new 
charter was procured and in spite of losses and the inconipleteness of 
instructions in these early years, these loyal, faithful women, who were 
lits charter members and an equal number who had joined its ranks 
fabored on, and its present success is largely owing to their courage and 
aithfulness. 

At the present time it has a membership of 67. and is now as in 
its first years striving to be a help to the veterans and to the Post to which 
it is auxiliary. 




Some of the Members of Manross Post. 



652 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




BRISTOL TRUST COMPANY. 

The new building is a substantial structure composed of pure white 
marble. Its exterior outlines are sharply defined angles, while its stal- 
wart and symmetrical columns relieved by beautiful carving, classic in 
every line, impart stateliness and dignity to its appearance. 

The tiled roof with its red and green and copper tints affords a strik- 
ing contrast with the white walls beneath. 

The building is the embodiment of substantiality and prac- 
tical service, as well as architectural strength and beauty. Its style com- 
bines those qualities of ancient Greek architecture which appeal so strong- 
ly to the modern mind, that even its resurrected masterpieces are the 
marvel of modern architects. This style requires the most skilled work- 
manship and gives assurance that the building will permanently retain its 
beauty and command admiration in after years. 

The building is surrounded by an attractive lawn provided with a 
profusion of plants and shrubbery after the Italian garden style, with an 
Italian garden bench at the concave corner. 

Set in an ample green space, the white walls and red crowned roof 
of this building will inspire and develop esthetic ideals in the mind of 
even the most indifferent observer. 

Four stately fluted columns guard the entrance which leads into an 
attractive vestibule, richly decorated in gold tints. From the vestibule 
one enters the public corridor where at once the entire main banking 
room is in view. The domed ceiling rises out of the large fluted Ionic 
pilasters with ornamental cornices and the floor is of Italian marble with 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 653 

green scriHUiiiK' bonlers. and tlio side walls are wainscoted with polished 
Paonazzo marlile. cliaracterized by dark green veins. The woodwork is 
Honduras mahogany of the finest fibre and the highest finish. 

The decorators of the building were Mortensen and Holdensen of 

Boston. Both Mr. Mortensen and Mr. Holdensen have had a thorough 
art education, having studied at the Royal Academy at Copenhagen and 
the Imperial School of Design in Vienna, and have worked with the best 
decorative artists of the continent. 

The greater portion of the hank building is composed, of course, of 
the main banking room, devoted to the public and the transaction of the 
bank's regular business . 

The walls of this room are of Empire blue, and the architectural 
features are gilded and toned down to a general impression of old gold. 

The room occupies the whole height of the building, which gives 
space for an impressive coved ceiling. 

The decoration in this cove is French renaisance with a leaning 
toward the classic. The four sides of the cove are decorated with em- 
blems representing, respectively. Finance, Agriculture, Industry and 
Qonnnerce, to harmonize with the larger decorations painted by Mr. Ves- 
per L. George, whi;h occupy the center of the sides, and which are en- 
closed by frames of laurel. 

The public corridor occupies the heart of the building and is of 
octagonal shape with the paying and receiving tellers' and bookkeepers' 
windows facing it, and framed off from it by the metallic screen whicn 
guards the banking force at work. The building is thoroughly modern, 
absolutely fire-proof and is damp-proof and water-proof throughout. 

The vault is directly in the rear of the working space and conveni- 
ently located with reference to the booth rooms which are used by pa- 
trons of the bank in examining their valuables that are stored in the 
Safe Deposit Boxes. The vault is of the most modern construction, 
equipped with every device for absolutely safeguarding important papers 
and valuables against fire, burglary or other danger or loss, and contains 
the Safe Deposit Boxes, and the safe provided for the cash, securities 
and other important holdings of the company. 

OFFICERS. 

The officers are: William E. Sessions, president; Charles L. Wood- 
ing, vice president ; Francis A. Beach, secretary and treasurer ; George 
S. Beach, assistant secretary and treasurer ; executive committee, the 
president, hte vice president, the treasurer ; directors, William E. Sessions, 
president. The Sessions Foundryy Co. and The Sessions Clock Co. ; 
Charles L. Wooding, secretary and treasurer, Bristol Water Co. ; A. J. 
Muzzy, real estate ; M. E. Weldon, merchant ; Albert L. Sessions, presi- 
dent j. H. Sessions & Son ; Joseph B. Sessions, vice president, The Ses- 
sions Foundry Co. ; Francis A. Beach, treasurer, The Bristol Trust 
company. 



'654 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




('LI !>ilirar\' Building, cunuT Main and High Streets. 



BRISTOL'S NEW FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY. 

(From Notes in Bristol Press i\ug. 15, 1907.) 
The formal dedication of the New Library took place Aug. 14, 1907. 
Callers were welcomed by Judge Epaphroditus Peck, Librarian Charles 
L. Wooding and assistants Aliss E. J. Peck, Miss A. W. Darrow and 
Miss Emma Winslow. In the evening the following program was 
rendered : 

William S. Ingraham, 

Chairman of the Board of Library Directors, presiding. 

Music, Selection from "Martha," Flotow 

Miss Olcott's Orchestra 
Address. Epaphroditus Peck, 

Secretary of the Board of Library Directors 
Address, Miss Caroline M. Hewins, 

Librarian of the Hartford Public Library 
Secretary of the State Library Commission 
Dedicatory Prayer, Rev. A. H. Goodenough 
Singing, America 

Music, The Great Divide, Maurice 

The Orchestra 

Every seat in the assembly room was taken. Judge Peck's address 
was in part as follows : 

Among the different causes of satisfaction in our new library build- 
ing, and in the library which it contains, the one most frequently ex- 
pressed is that it is not a gift from some world-famous plutocrat, or even 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 655 

from some single wealthy citizen of Bristol, but that it represents the 
general effort and the general interest of our entire community. 

Over four hundred persons have taken part in the erection of this 
building by the contribution of larger or smaller sums, the smaller sums 
doubtless representing as much real sacrifice as the larger, and of these 
nearly all are residents of Bristol, and the few others are persons in- 
terested in Bristol by former residence or family connection. 

It is interesting to note that the course of events out of which this 
library grew was not the beginning of the public library idea in Bristol. 
I hold in my hand a book in which are pasted three book-plates; one 
of the "Reformed Library in New Cambridge," one of the "Mechanics 
Library in Bristol," and the third our own book-plate. 

The first book-plate reads as follows : 

Xo. Or. This book belongs to the Reformed Library in Xew Cam- 
bridge. All books must be returned on the first Mondays of Oct., Nov., 
Dec, Jan., Feb., March, i\Iay, July and last Monday of August, on for- 
feiture of six-pence, one penny for every day's negle:t afterwards. One 
penny for turning down a leaf. Other damages estimated by the in- 
specting connnittee. 

The second plate is as follows : 

No. 79. Price Si. 25. This book belongs to the Mechanics Library 
of Bristol. All books belonging to this library must be returned on the 
first Thursday of every month, on penalty of fine of five per cent (prob- 
ably meaning five cents), and one per cent for every day's neglect after- 
wards. Two cents for turning down a leaf, twenty-five per cent for 
lending books to non-proprietors, and other damages estimated by the 
inspecting committee. 

Now the name Bristol was given to this community when it was 
in;orporated as a town in 1785, and the use of the older term "New 
Cambridge" as- well as the use of the English currency, indicate that the 
earlier library must have been formed some years before 1800. The writ- 
ten inscription on the fly-leaf, "Newell Pyington's book bought October 
28, 1816, of the New Cambridge Reformed library," probably shows that 
at that time the library association had broken up and was selling its 
books, and we may infer that the Mechanics Library was organized after- 
wards. 

The existence of still a third library, the "Philosophical Library,'' 
and perhaps a fourth, in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, 
is shown by a record book which has lately come into the possession of 
the library from Miss Kezia A. Peck. This book contains in one end 
the "Rules and regulations of the public library in the first society in 
Bristol," (Burlington was then the second society in Bristol), dated De- 
cember 19, 1792, and signed by forty-three proprietors, whose names prob- 
ably give a good census of the solid and intelligent men in the Bristol 
of that day, headed by that of the Congregational minister, Giles Hooker 
Cowles. 

At the other end of the book are the records of the Philosophical 
library, organized on December 5, 1803, with twenty-eight subscribers. 
The record of annual meetings of this society continues till 1812, after 
which twenty pages or more are torn out. On a later page is the first 
invoice of books bought for this library ; Adam's Defense, 2 vols., Morse's 
Geography, 2 vols.. History of the French Revolution. 2 vols., Ramsay's 
American Revolution, 2 vols., Trumbull's History of Connecticut, i vol., 
Adam's View of Religion, t vol., Tlie Farmer's Dictionary, The Rambler, 
4 vols., Franklin's Life and Letters, and President Jetiferson's Notes on 
Virginia. 

The Rainbler is the only book in this list that could by any possibility 
be classed as light literature, and we may safely guess that the works 
of Anthony Hope and James Barr McCutcheon would have little favor 
with the purchasing committee, even if there had been any books of that 
class to buy. 



€56 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Putting together the information gathered from these two book-plates, 
and that afforded by the record book, we can clearly identify at least three 
successive libraries. First, the "Reformed Library," of the older book- 
plate, which may be identical with the unnamed "publick library" of 1792, 
or may be (and more probably is) a still earlier one; second (or third) 
the Philosophical library of 1803, and third (or fourth) the Mechanics 
library of the later book-plate. 

The series of events that have led directly to our present library 
began about 1845, with the organization of a sewing society by the ladies 
of the Congregational church to raise money for a new carpet for the 
church. This was officially called the "New Carpet Society" but popular- 
ly the "Old Maids' Society." When the carpet had been bought and laid 
down, the ladies found their association so pleasant that they decided 
to keep up their meetings and to use their earnings for a library for 
their common use. They bought books from time to time, and some mem- 
ber kept the collection at her own house. In 1868 this library had grown 
to 445 volumes and the society had also sixty dollars in its treasury. 

In that year some public-spirited men were just organizing a Young 
Men's Christian association for the benefit of the young men of the town. 
They were naturally seeking attractions for their rooms, and I suppose 
that the "Old Maids' " library had reached such size as to be rather 
burdensome to its owners. A contract was accordingly made by which 
the ladiesplaced their library with the accumulated cash in the hands 
of the Y. M. C. A., the most important part of the agreement being as 
follows : "The library shall be kept in Bristol as a circulating library, 
open to all persons who shall pay the fees and conform to the -rules, 
and no portion of it or its funds shall be appropriated to any other 
purpose." 

The only survivors of this ladies' society, so far as I know, are Mrs. 
Ann North, Mrs. Ellen Lewis Peck, Miss Lucy Beckwith and Miss 
Ophelia Ives, all still residents in Bristol. 







New Library Building in Process of Construction. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE " ()57 

The Young Men's Christian association maintained a somewhat 
checkered existence here for twenty-three years, but during. all that time 
it housed and cared for the library, twice replaced it after tires (in which 
all the original books but two were destroyed,) and faithfully devoted all 
subscription fees to its increase. By this means, the library had in- 
creased to 2,528 volumes in 1891. 

Mrs. Norton's bequest to the town of $5,000 for library purposes, 
and her own fine private library of almost a thousand volumes, came 
at the critical moment, in the summer of 189 1, when the Y. M. C. A. 
had voted to disband, and the library was left homeless. A project was 
immediately set on foot for the establishment for a free town library, a 
circular advocating it and signed by fifty leading citizens was mailed to 
every voter, and at the annual town meeting in October, 1891, by a vote 
of 489 to 130, the town voted to permaneni?y appropriate for library pur- 
poses a three-fourths mill tax. 

That was before the establishment of the state library commission; 
and I think I am right in saying that Bristol was the first town in Con- 
necticut to establish a free library, supported and managed wholly by the 
town. 

Another most pleasant surprise came in 1893, when we were notified 
of the bequest to the town by Mrs. Julia M. Tompkins of Chicago of 
$5,000 for library purposes. 

These two bequests, both totally unexpected, each given by a lady 
who had long since removed from Bristol, were certainly striking pieces 
of good fortune, and well calculated to stimulate the people of our own 
town to do their share. 

I may add that Mr. Dunbar, then Chairman of the Board of Libarry 
Directors, was connected with the making of this bequest in much the 
same way as I had the good fortune to be with the Norton gift. Mr. 
Tompkins, who had been a shopmate of Mr. Dunbar in his young man- 
hood, and who in the latter years of his life had desired to express his 
interest in Bristol by some gift, had consulted with Mr. Dunbar and been 
advised, first, to make his gift to the Y. M. C. A. and afterward to make 
it to the public library; and this purpose of Mr. Tompkins was carried 
out by his wife, who survived him. 

The town library was opened in the modest second story of the 
Ebers Block on January i, 1892, with Mr. T. H. Patterson as its librarian. 
Mr. Patterson laid the foundations of the library on sound and workman- 
like lines, but later in the year he resigned the office to resume his school 
work. I shall ever recall, as another of the fortunate events in our 
library history, the coming into my office of Mr. Wooding, then a newly 
fledged graduate of Yale, with a most modest inquiry as to whether he 
would be deemed eligible for the position of librarian. I preserved a due 
severity during the interview, but after he went out I shouted (met- 
aphorically) for joy in the conviction that we had found the right man. 
That was just fifteen years ago; and you will agree with me that our 
confidence was not misplaced. ' 

In 1896 the wooden dwelling house on this lot was offered for sale. 
It seemed to the Board most important to secure this lot, the most desir- 
able in town for library purposes, and we used the Norton and the 
Tompkins bequests, which had been allowed to accumulate on interest, 
some $11,000 in all, to buy the house and lot, and to fit the old house up 
for the temporarv service which it pcrformetl for nine years and a half. 
We moved into it on December i, 1896, and it was torn down to make 
rootn for this building just one year ago, in August, 1906. 

Now as to the present building. During the ten years that we oc- 
ctipied the old building, our library increased from 6,200 to over 14,000, 
and the annual circulation from 34.000 to 46,000. This great increase, 
both in the size and in the use of our library, made it evident several 
years ago that the old building would before long become wholly in- 



658 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT. 




Xew Library Building. 



sufficient. Tlie problem was discussed and its solution postponed from 
year to year until early in 1905, when the time seemed for various reasons 
propitious, and the Board appointed a committee to make a general 
canvass for a library building fund. Airs. Augustine Norton had in 1901 
made a bequest to the library of over $4,100; nearly $1,000 of this had 
been used for the printing of our present catalogue, but the rest had lain 
on interest, and up to July first of this year amounted to exactly $3,800.12. 
Mr. C. S. Treadway, who as a member of the Board had always taken a 
warm interest in our building plans, had died just before the definite 
launching of the project, leaving in his will a gift of $1,000 to the library. 
Your committee liave received subscriptions from living doners aggre- 
gating $40,171 ; from the sale of tlie old building $200, and from interest 
on early pavments over $120, making a total building fund to date of 
$45,368.10. 

One item of importance we have not yet, however, fairly approached. 

Most of you know of the interesting historical collection which for 
some years was kept together in the Linstead Block, and of which a 
considerable part is now stored in the High School building. Dr. Wil- 
liams has also presented to the town his fine collection of Indian and pre- 
historic relics, certainly one of the best private collections in the United 
States. 

When the Board appointed its building committee, consisting of 
Messrs. Ingraham. Wooding and Peck, we were all agreed that the library 
of an old New England town, situated on residence streets, shaded by 
stately and beautiful elms, ought to be of that quiet and dignified style 
popularly known as ."colonial," which is really an adaptation of the 
classic forms of Greece and Rome to modern purposes. A library, also, 
made to contain chiefly book-cases and reading-table?, is almost of neces- 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE, 



659 



sity rectangular in design; and the necessity in a small library, of having 
all parts of the library imder the direct observation of the librarian or 
attendant at the desk, make it essential that the working librar\- rooms 
shall all be on one tioor. 

A comparatively low. rectangular building, of Colonial design, was 
therefore called for by the essential requirements of the situation. 

The choice of an actual design was made from many plans submitted 
in competition, and the one which has been carried out, prepared by Mr. 
Wilson Potter, of Bristol and New York, was chosen by a unanimous 
vote, both of the connnittee and of the entire Board. We have no oc- 
casion to comment further upon the design, so far as its aesthetic qual- 
ities are concerned; the building is before you for your condemnation 
or approval. 

It contains book-cases sufificient to hold over 30,000 volumes ; a sec- 
ond tier of shelving, for which there is abundant height in the stack- 
room, would add 25,000 more ; and a third tier in the basement, which is 
entirely practicable, gives us a possible total book capacity of 80,000. We 
certainly feel that that is ample provision for an indehnite future. 

And if the voters of the town, a constituency somewhat dififerent, 
and _\-et to a great extent of the same, shall in "October grant us the 
permanent ta.x for which we ask, we .shall feel that we liave received a 
double vote of confidence which surely ought to stimulate us all to con- 
tinued and better efforts in this field of public service. 

I cannot close these remarks without referring to the fact that since 
this movement was initiated, two members of the Board, both of whom 
had been members since its establishment, were deeply interested in the 
building project and contributed generously to it, and would have re- 
joiced in the dedication of the completed building, have passed away; 
Mr. Charles S. Treadwav and the Honorable Edward B. Dunbar. 




ii^MH 



Street l)e]> rtinent at Work. 



560 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




'>*0. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 661 



JOHN HUMPHREY SESSIONS & SON. 



In November, 1S54, Mr. John Humphrey Sessions, a young man of 
26 years, formed a partnership with Henry A. Warner, and rented a 
small factory in Polkville (Edgewood, as it is now called), in which to 
conduct a vvoodturning business. The small capital which he invested 
was the result of his hard labors, for early in life he had been thrown 
entirely upon his own resources. 

This partnership was dissolved in 1865, ^Ir. Sessions continuing in 
his own name the business, which at first consisted mainly of wood 
turnings for the various clockmakers in the vicinity, and which grew 
rapidly from the beginning. 

In 1869 he bought a plot of ground on North Main street, Bristol, 
and built the main wooden building, now standing, and moved his plant 
to Bristol. 

In 1857, Albert J. Sessions and Samuel W. Sessions, brothers of 
John Humphrey, started in a very small way to make trunk hinges, at 
Southington, and in 1861 this business was moved to Bristol, growing 
prosperously until June, 1870, when Albert J. Sessions, who was then 
the sole owner, died, and at this time John H. Sessions bought out his 
brother's trunk hardware business, combining it with his own. In 1873 
he admitted his son, John H. Sessions, Jr., as a partner, which partner 
ship continued until the death of the senior Sessions, on September 10, 
1899. A younger son, William E. Sessions, was_ a co-partner for a 
short time' until he left to develop the foundry business with his fatiier. 
During the steady growth of the business numerous additions were 
made to the plant, the large brick storehouse now standing being erected 
in 1883. The increasing trunk hardware business constantly required 
more of the available room in the factory, so that the woodturning de- 
partment was eventually discontinued. 

In 1904 the plant on Riverside avenue, which had been recently oc- 
cupied by the Codling Manufacturing Company, and which was formerly 
owned and used by Welch, Spring & Company, as a clock factory, was 
bought and occupied until a new plant could be erected. The modern 
plant on Riverside avenue was completed and occupied in 1907, and 
gives its owners the largest and most complete plant for the manufacture 
of trunk hardware in the country. 

After the death of John Humphrey Sessions, a grandson, Albert L., 
was admitted into partnership by his father, John H. Sessions, Jr., and 
this continued until the death of John H. Sessions, April 2, 1902. This 
co-partnership was succeeded in 1905 by a corporation, J. H. Sessions 
& Son, chartered by a special act of the Connecticut legislature, all the 
stock of the company being owned by its officers, Mrs. J. H. Sessions, 
Albert L. Sessions and Mrs. Albert L. Sessions, so that the business is 
being carried on under the name used so many years. 



662 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




Mills Box Shop. 



H. J. MILLS. 

Among the flourishing manufacturing establishments of Bristol, built 
up from small beginnings, is the paper box manufactory of H. J. Mills 
on Church street. 

The business had its origin about 1865, at which time Elder Benajah 
Hitchcock commenced the manufacture of matches on a small scale near 
the school-house in Stafford district, in the east part of the town. In 
order to supply himself with boxes for his matches, Mr. Hitchcock com- 
menced making them' by hand in a very primitive fashion. It was at the 
suggestion of the late Don E. Peck of Whigville, that Mr. Hitchcock pur- 
chased a scorer and undertook the business of general box making. His 
first boxes were made for Don E. Peck, and other firms soon gave him 
their patronage. 

Herbert J. Mills, a nephew of Mrs. Hitchcock, entered his employ 
about 1867, and has been connected with the business almost continuously 
ever since. In 1872 Mr. Hitchcock purchased his present place of resi- 
dence in Divinity street, and fitted up and enlarged the barn for box 
making. 

In 1887 Mr. Mills and his cousin, David Mix, leased the business. Mr. 
Mills purchased his partner's interest the same year, and continued the 
business until 1891, when he bought the entire business of Mr. Hitchcock 
and built his present factory. 

The shop is thirty by one hundred, two stories high, fitted up with 
steam power, and the "most modern and improved box-making machinery. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 663 



BOROUGH OF BRISTOL. 

The General Assembly of the State of Connecticut, January session, 
1893, passed an act incorporating the Borough of Bristol, same was 
approved March 23, 1893. Committee appointed to secure the charter 
were the following named citizens of the Borough, viz: George S. Hull, 
Edward B. Dunbar, Frank G. Hayward, Jonathan M. Peck, Charles 
S. Treadway and William Linstead. 

At a meeting of the voters of the Borough upon the adoption of, the 
charter the total number of votes cast were 564; for the charter, 441, 
against the charter 123; majority for the charter, 318. "William A. 
Dunbar was moderator of the meeting and declared the charter adopted 
and approved. 

The first election of borough officers was held May 23, 1893, and 
the following named persons were elected to the several offices, viz: 

Warden. Edward P. Woodward. 

Burgesses, George S. Hull, William Linstead, William S. Ingraham, 
William E. Sessions, Charles F. Michael, James W. Williams. 

Clerk, Roger S. Xewell. 

Treasurer, Charles S. Treadway. 

Sheriff, Howard G. Anies. 

Collector, Silas M. Norton. 

Assessors, G. Perry Bennett, AVm. R. Strong, Herbert J. Mills. 

Auditors, Julian R. Holley, Wyllys C. Ladd. 

January 26, 1895, it was voted: That for the purpose of construct- 
ing a system of sewers in the Borough, bonds to the amount of $50,000 
be issued, the total cost of the sewer being about $95,000. 

The following named persons have ser\-ed the Borough as wardens, 
viz: 

Edward P. Woodward, one year, 1893-4; *Ira N. Bevans, six months 
1894; Miles Lines Peck, one year six months, 1894-5-6; Henry A. Car- 
rington, one vear, 1896-7; Lemuel L. Stewart, two years, 1897-8-9; 
Wilfred E. Fogg, one year, 1900-01; * John F. Wade, three years, 4 
months, 1901-02-03-04; Joseph H. Glasson, eight months, 1904-05; 
Gilbert H. Blakesley, two years, 1905-07; Charles A. Lane, present 
incumbent, 1907. 

The following named citizens have served the Borough as Burgesses 
from the date of first election to the present time : 

George S. Hull, William Linstead, Wm. S. Ingraham, Wm. E. 
Sessions, James W. Williams, Charles F. Michael, Frank G. Hayward, 
Ira B. Smith, Solomon (\ Spring, Edward O. Penfield, Anson O. Perkins, 
Patrick H. Condon, Charles S. Yeomans, Lemuel L. Stewart, George W. 
Neubauer, William W. Russell, Herbert J. Mills, Watson Giddings, 
Wilfred E. Fogg, William T. Shepard, William J. Tracy, Stephen N. 
Mason, Charles A. Lane, John F. Wade, Martin E. Pierson, Thomas 
N. Brown, Charles W. Roberts, Frank X. Saxton, Joseph H. Glasson, 
Gilbert H. Blakesley, Frank W. Dutton, Frank Griffith, James O'Con- 
nell, Eliphalet L. PJall. George A. White, George W. Duxbury. Byron 
P. Webler, Carlyle F. Barnes, Charles W. Edgerton, John Lonergan. 

The following named citizens have served the Borough as Clerk, 
viz: Roger S. Newell, one year, 1893-4; Burdette T. Lyons, two years, 
1894-6; John Winslow, two'years, 1896-8; Daniel J. Heffernan, present 
incumbent, ten years, 1898-1907. 

♦Warden Bevins resigned October 2, 1894; and Miles Lines Peck was elected to fill 
vacancy. Warden Wade resigned August 23, 1904, and Joseph H. Glasson was elected 
to fill vacancy. 



664 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 

The following named citizens have served the Borough as Treasurer, 
viz: Charles S. Treadvvay, seven years, 1893-1900; Leveritt G. Merrick, 
one year, 1894; Morris L. Tiffanv, present incumbent, seven years, 
1901-1907. 

The following named citizens have served the Borough as Collec- 
tors, viz: Silas M. Norton, one year, 1893-4; Robert A. Potter, one year, 
1894-5; Seth Barnes, two vears, 1895-7; Benjamin F. Judd, six years 
1897-1903; William F. Benoit, Jr., two years, 1903-1905; Edward L. 
Carrington, present incumbent, three years, 1905-1907. 

The following named citizens have served as Sheriff, viz : Howard 
G. Arms, one vear, 1893-4; Albert L. Morse, fourteen vears, 1894- 
1907. 

The following named citizens have served the Borough as Asses- 
sors, viz: G. Percy Bennett, William R. Strong, Herbert J. Mills, 
Lester Goodenough, Daniel J. Heffernan, Theodore H. Kerins, Silas 
K. Montgomery, William A. Dunbar, George H. Hall, Marclius H. Nor- 
ton, Leon M. Case, George W. Duxberry, George A. Beers, Frank R. 
Graves, Seth Barnes, William J. Connelley. 

The following named citizens have served as Auditors, viz: Julian 
R. Hollev, Wyllys C. L'add, Carlvle F. Barnes, Frederick Dovery, Rus- 
sell Losh'er, Morris L. Tiffany, John T. Chidsey 

The following named citizens are now serving the Borough for 
the present year, viz : 

Warden, Charles A. Lane. 

Burgesses, Thomas H. Brown, Frank W. Dutton, Byron P. Web- 
ler, Carlyle F. Barnes, Charles W. Edgerton, John Lonergan. 

Clerk, Daniel J. Heffernan. 

Treasurer, Morris L. Tift'any. 

Sheriff, Albert L. Morse. 

Collector, Edward L. Carrington. 

Assessors, WiUiam A. Dunbar, Seth Barnes, William J. Connelly. 

Auditors, John T. Chidsey, Julian R. Halley. 

WELCOME TROLLEY. 



By Milton Leon Norton. 

From the Bristol Press, of August 8, 1895, on the completion of the 
the Bristol-Plainville Tramway. 

Ere our fathers came no pathway, 

But a well-trod Indian trail. 
Led out westward through the wildvvood 

From the shadowy Tunxis vale ; 
When the red man, venison laden, 

Homeward wending from the chase, 
Sought the lowly, skin-thatched wigwam, 

That he made his dwelling place. 

Then there came the early settler. 

Who, on every sabbath day. 
Mounted on his pillioned saddle. 

Toward the sunrise rode away ; 
While his good wife sat behind him. 

And their thoughts dwelt on the text. 
And on questions theologic. 

Questions knotty and perplexed. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE " 665 

Next there came the cumbrous ox-cart. 

'Twas our fathers' coach and chaise. 
Well the sleek and gentle oxen 

Served them in those early days. 
From the encircling hills and mountains, 

Came they into church and store, 
While the patient oxen, waiting. 

Chewed their cuds beside the door. 

Then there came a great sensation ! 

'Twas the talk of all the town, 
When from Hartford the first stagecoach 

To the tavern rattled down. 
Eager eyes were early watching. 

When, on every night and morn, 
Rang out over hill and valley. 

Cheerily, the driver's horn. 

Later came the locomotive, 

Snorting, puffing on its way. 
Old men said, "An age of wonders ! 

Glad we lived to see this day." 
Then it was the old stage-driver. 

Grieving, hid his ruddy face, 
And the stagecoach, and the toll-gate. 

Disappeared and left no trace. 

Then good people sought the Scriptures, 

Read of flaming torches there, 
Nahum's chariots, rattling, jostling 

In the highways, everywh'ere. 
And they said, "Of this the prophet 

Spake" ; and many a tale and song, 
Told the locomotive's prowess. 

Sang its praises oft and long. 

But one day the locomotive 

Screamed in anger, loud and shrill, 
"What is that I see approaching. 

Climbing swiftly up the hill? 
Surely that must be the trolley!" 

Quoth the engine in its wrath ; 
"I will crusli. annihilate it. 

Should it ever cross my path I" 

But the peaceful trolley answered 

Not a word, but skimmed along. 
Like a swallow o'er the meadow. 

Or a sweet, idyllic song. 
By the river and the forest. 

By the lakeside and the rill, 
Through the streets of town and borough. 

Over plain and over hill. 

And we welcome thee, O Trolley ; 

Welcome, royal welcome give ; 
Take thee to our township's bosom. 

Hoping there thou long may'st live. 
And our hearts thrill like the current 

Flowing through thy pulsing heart. 
Long and happy be our union ; 

Long be it ere we shall part ! 



666 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN BETHESDA CHURCH AT 
FORESTVILLE, CONN. 

The first Swedish families moved into Forestville as early as 1871. 
Three 3'ears later the first service in the Swedish language was held when 
Rev. T. O. Linell, pastor at Pontiac, R. I., stopped here while on a mis- 
sion tour through the state. After this time services were held off and 
on by itenerant ministers traveling for the Lutheran Mission. 

The i6th of February, 1880, a congregation with a communicant mem- 
bership of twenty-five was organized by Rev. J. Melander, and the consti- 
tution of the Lutheran Augustana Synod was adopted. The Bethesda 
Congregation was the second Swedish church organized in Connecticut. 
From 1882 to 1885 Rev. C O. Landell of New Britain was pastor of the 
church, and during the years 1886- 1887 Rev. Ludvie Holmes, D.D. of 
North Grosvenor Dale, filled the pulpit. On the 23d of August, 1886, the 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



667 



congregation unanimously decided to build a church. Rev. L. Holmes and 
Mr. N. A. Johnson were appointed to have the work in charge, and in 
the fall 1886 the little church on Academy Street was ready and dedicated 
to the Lord. Rev. O. W. Farm of New Britain became the successor 
of Rev. Holmes, and coiuinued the work until the congregation at Bristol 
and the Forestville church, jointly called Rev. A. F. Lundquist, who be- 
came first stationary pastor of the church in July, 1893. In 1903 Rev. 
Lundquist moved to McKeesport. Penn., and was succeeded by Rev. E. C. 
Jessup, who moved to Kiron, Iowa in May, 1906. The present pastor, 
Rev. O. Nimrod Ebb, B.D., was called from Duquesne, Pennsylvania, and 
took charge of the congregation Sept. 30, 1906. The present church 
building was erected in 1907 and cost $5,000. It is 50x30 feet, the base- 
ment walls are of stone and shingle finish above. The seating capacity 
is one hundred and fifty. The congregation has one hupdred and thirty- 
one members. 




Forestville Athletic Club Base Ball Team, March, l'J07. 



668 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



Bristol Homes 



Thejpublishers would have been pleased to have shown a photo- 
graphic reproduction of every home in Bristol. This, of course, was 
not possible or practicable, but enough are represented to give a correct 
idea of the architecture of the town. In most cases the pictures are 
numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., and in the description of the photographs these 
same numbers appear giving, on streets that are numbered, the house 
number as well. O signifies that the resident is owner and R indicates 
resident. This data has been carefully compiled, and while it is prob- 
able some mistakes may have been made, the information is given in 
the wav that we received it. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE." 



669 




FEDERAL STREET. 



Stearns 




STEARNS STREET. 



670 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




WOODLAND STREET. 




WOODLAND STREET. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE 



671 




WOODLAXl") STREE' 





i^ 


?l 


ll 


l#^' 


^|^^Hk_^^^[^i_^^^^| 


i5'^&Jr^ -• 


|jj 


?^3 


Rj^ -> ^-^.i^d^&l^H 


^^' 


"^^^ 


If li 




^- i 



y 



r>OC)D\VL\ STREET, 



672 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




GOODWIN STREET. 




GOODWIN STREET. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 673 

FEDERAL STREET. 
\\) Xo. 117, M. H. Smith R; (2) No. in, H. A. Reynolds R, No. 
113. Irving- Schubert R; (3) No. 105, Arthur R. Osborne R, No. 107, 
Howard U. Sparks R; (4) No. 75, Wm. O'Connell R; (5) No. 56, Har- 
riett E. Dav O: (6) No. 47, Chas. Letourneau R, M. A. Perkins R; 
(7) No. 32, "James Cairns R, S. H. Smith R; (8) No. 31, C D. O'Connell 
O; (9) No. 8. T. W. Fairchild R. 



STEARNS STREET. 
(I ) 1-. C. Norton O: (2) No. 27, B. L. Burton R, Arlliur Ingraham 
O: (3) No. M. D. Gwillim O, A. D. Wilson R; (4) No. 43, J. Donnelly 
O; No. 45. E. A. Mitchell R: (s) No. 49, E. Erickson R; No. 51, 
C. Neilson R: (6) No. 55, W. Muir R, C. Larson O, E. E. Nichols; 
(7) J. F. Alather, Jr. /?. A. B. Way R; (8) No. 83, Katherine Sheehan 
R: (9) A. Skelskcv O. 



WOODLAND STREET. 
([) No. 20, Mrs. John Birge O ; (2) No. 23, Calvin E. Fuller O; 
(3) No. 24, E. W. Cahoon O; (4) No. 38, G. E. Gillette O; (5) No. 4^, 
Mrs. E. W. Spencer O; (6) No. 35, E. B. Case O; (7) No. 49, A. L. 
Norton O : (8) No. 56, Mrs. Sarah Allport O, Wm. Allport R; (9) No. 
50, Arthur G. Nearing O. 

(10) No. 62, Henry B. Wilcox O; (11) No. 74, Joseph Lindholm 
R; (12) No. 65, Frank" Curtiss R; (13) No. 77, L. L. Stewart O; (14) 
No. 77, Wm. H. Nott O; (15) No. 80, F. B. Colvin ; (16) No. 85, Henry 
Wilcox R: (17) No. 102, Wm. Merrill O; (18) No. 105, John W. Car- 
roll O. 

WOODLAND STREET, ETC. 
(19) No. 114, G. H. Elton R; (20) No. 113, H. E. Markham 0; (2) 
No. 126, Wm. M. Sheeran O, Alfred K. Carlson R; (22) No. 125, J. F. 
Kearns R, No. 127, C. J. Heisse R; (23) Anton Schrade O, Chas. Johnson 
R; (24) Wm. E. Troope O, Oakland St.; (2s) No. 11, Bradley St., 
Patrick T. Martin O: (26) Bradley St., W. E. Wightman ; (27) Grove 
St., Joel T. Case. 



GOODWIN STREET, 
(i) No. 210, Mrs. W. L. Clark O; (2) No. 207, Victor Johnson O, 

D. S. Page R\ (3) J- F. Gleeson R, Robt. B. Codling R; (4) No. 190, 

E. A. Barnes O, John Tonkin R; (5) No. 180, L. Larson O, C. A. Peter- 
son R, A. Anderson R; (6) No. 163, Christina Lundhal R ; (7) No. 153, 
L D. Rowe, R; (8) No. 147, L. H. Snyder R; (9) No. 141, Edw. Rear- 
don O. 

(10) Arthur Page O; (11) No. 108, O. Dahlgren O; (12) No. 107, 
Mons Larson O; (13) Bernard Johnson O; (14) No. 100, John Carlson 
O; (15) No. 99, Wm. Johnson R; loi, Oscar Johnson R; (16) Olaf 
Wieberg; (17) Mrs. Pensauet O, Richard Baldwin R; (18) No. 44, G. 
W. Whittemore O. 

(19) No. 43, N. Peson R, W. Boutelle R; (20) No. 35, A. G. Calvin 
R, G. C Bidwcll, Lester J. Root R; (20) No. 38, W. B. Adams R, Lewis 
Langham R ; (22) Chas. Doolittle R; (23) No. 29, C. P. Waterman R; 
E. R. Simmons; (24) No. 24, M. S. Hughes R, F. T. Thorns; (25) No. 
25, G. J. Fimck R: (26) No. 19, H. A. Warner R, Mr. Slade R; (27) 
No. 20, Air. Whittlesey^ 



674 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



STEWART S 




STEWART STREET. 



WOODING X STEWART STS 




WOODING AND STEWART STREETS. 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



675 




JUDD STREET. 




QUEEN STREET. 



676 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




QUEEN AND HARRTSOX STREETS, 




BLAKESLEE STREET. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



677 



.■Jk 


S*». k '* ^^^i^-.L^ 


't*-^ 

^'......: ^y 




SHIFW ™^ 




,.' ■■''■" ■ -. 


■■1 


ii r 
iin| 


. ' 




UXIOX STREET. 



UNION ST 




UXIOX STREET. 



678 BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



STEWART STREET, 
(i) No. 7, N. C. Sparks R, No. g, Algot Nelson 0; (2) No. 36, 
Chas. W. Stewart O; (3) No. 42, Chester Ingraham 0; (4) H. L. Sher- 
wood, W. C. Morgan: (5) No. 56, A. B. Lockwood R; (6) No. 57, C. 
Statz R, R. Herman R; (7) No. 59, John Johnson R, No. 61, John Nel- 
son O; (8) No. 66, Mrs. Frank H. Marshall R, Nellie M. Hills O ; (9) 
No. 70, Gustave Jaschembowski O. 

WODDING AND STEWART STREETS, 
(i) No. 20, John B. Page O; (2) No. 19, Edwd F. Connelly R, Wm. 
Richardson R; (3) No. 25, Alfred Erickson O; (4) No. 31, Chas. Par- 
cell, Wm. Rowe; (5) No. 37, Albert Eaton O; (6) Guy Clifford; (7) 
No. 52, John Leahy O; (8) No. iii Stewart St., D. J. Morey O, No. 113, 
Jas. Prendergast R; (9) Stewart St., Adolph ush, Adolph Putz. 



JUDD STREET, 
(i) No. 20, Mrs. A. Casey R: (2) No. 28, G. Bachand R; Alfred 
Richards R; (3) J. Elert R, H. C Downs R; (4) No. 38, L. Lapierre R; 
(5) No. 51, S. E. Stockwell R, Sidney Morse R; (6) No. 63, Alex. 
Anderson R; (7) David Girard R, W. Steward R, Geo. Shafrick O; (8) 
Chas. Munson R; (g) No. 123, Wm. Brunt R, John Brunt R. 



QUEEN STREET, 
(i) No. 124; (2) J. F. McCarthy R; (3) No. 85, C Mallory R; (4) 
No. 83, L. E. Rouse R, N. Neal ; (s) No. 68, S. W. Steele O ; (6) No. 
62, Edw. M. Gillard O: (7) No. 54, Mrs. Ericson R, A. M. Judd R; (8) 
A. D. Weeks R ; (9) M. Richtmyer R, F. A. Kennedy R. 



QUEEN AND HARRISON STREETS. 
(10) No. 38, Queen St., N. C. Guiden R; No. 36, J. J. Merrill O; 
(11) No. 14, Queen St., W. I. Reynolds; No. 16, John Green; (12) No. 
17, Queen St., Francis Williams O: (13) No. 10, Queen St., Arthur G. 
Muzzy O; (14) No. 12 Harrison St., Mrs. R. A. Ryan; No. 14, John 
Hughes; (15) No. 20, E. J. Meed O; (16) No. 32, John A. Edman 0; 
(17) No. 34, Edwd. Hansen O; (18) Rudolph Miller O. 

BLAKESLEE STREET, 
(i) A. P. Stark O; (2) Miss Sidney E. Tracv R\ (3) John Palmen 
R; (4) Thos. Grantville O ; (5) James Dalev O: (6) Nelson Decker R; 
(7) (empty); (8) John Fingelton O; (9) P. J. Kilduff 0. 



UNION STREET. 

(i) No. 14, A. G. Hodges R, No. 16, Geo. Thomas i?; (2) No. 22, 
Mrs. Flora Clark O, Mrs. Fannie Clayton R; (3) No. 26, Wm. Glasson 
O; (4) No. 32, Julius Grossman R, No. 34, Stanley Heintz R; (5) No. 
35, Peter Alexander R, Wm. Archambault R ; (6) No. 39, Peter F. Gor- 
man O; (7) No. 50, John F. Neil; (8) No. 66, Frank M. Moski R; (9) 
No. 62, Lepold Kamiski R. 

(10) No. 72, Richard Odium; (11) No. 65. Robt. Campion R; (12) 
No. 73, Mrs. Ida M. Gatelev R; (13) No. 83, Geo. Dalger R; (14) No. 
82, Mrs. M. S. Quinlan R; (15) No. 88. Wm. Moulthrope O ; (16) No. 
97, Amandus Swan O, E. Bessell R; (17) Aug. Lomberg O, Geo. Thomp- 
son O; (18) John Ryan O. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



679 




CHURCH AND UPSON STREETS. 




PLEASANT STREET. 



680 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




17 i ^.. 

PLEASANT AND OAK STREETS. 




PRATT STREET. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



681 




PRATT AXD LOCUST STREET. 




CHj-:.sr.\i r .sirI'T-: 



682 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



SUMMER ST. 




SUMMER STREET. 




FARMINGTON AVENUE. 



'or new cambridgb." 683 



CHURCH STREET, 
(i) Baptist Parsonage, Rev. H. Clarke R; (2) No. 23, Daniel Casey 
O; (3) No. 18, C. B. Ives O ; (4) John Kelley O; (6) No. 24, Russell 
Lasher 0, W. Elwin R; (7) No. 45, G. F. Pingpauke R, N. F. Marion 
R; (8) No. 63, Samuel Howe R, L. A. Gaylord O; (9) Richard Bromigc, 
Upson street. 



PLEASANT STREET, 
(i) No. 9, Mrs. Wise R; (2) No. 18, H. W. Pease R: (3) No. 24, 
C. M. Woodford O: (4) No. 21, Miss Emmett O ; (5) No. 31, Mrs. 
Eunice Judson O, Mr. Freeman R: (6) No. 28, The Misses Hitchcock, 
Miss Woodford R: (7) No. 34, W. A. Haves O; (8) No. 39, Geo. H. 
Grant O. 



PLEASANT STREET. 
(10) No. so. P. Boland R. Jas. McDonald R; (11) No. 55, J. B. 
Barnes R; (12) No. 64, A. H. Wilcox O; (13) No. 67, M. Fitzgerald R. 



PRATT STREET, 
(i) J. P. Landrv R; (3) W. M. Whitelv R, G. De Rosier R; (4) 
W. J. Keough R. Murray R; (5) No. 6, W. H. Mills O : (6) No. 14, E. 
H. Whelan O: (7) No. 13. Frank Davis O ; (8) No. 17, Walter Mills 
O: (9) No. 19, A. E. Edwards O. 

(10) No. 20, J. S. Steward R, A. Maynard O; (11) C. E. Hotch- 
kiss O; (12) O. Johnson O, Mr. Dickson R. 



LOCUST STREET. 
(13) Edw. Lowney O: (14) E. G. Waterhouse O : (15) Chas. Kas- 
mina R; (16) A. Vanoni R; (18) No. 10, Jos. Gervais O. 



CHESTNUT STREET, 
(i) No. 129 West St., W. H. Cleveland O; (2) No. 19, John Hintz 
O: (3) No. 27, M. Coveity O; (4) No. 41, Everett Brown O; (5) No. 
49, Martin Van Allen 0;'(6) No. 51, Philip Lheureux O: (7) No. 38, 
Mrs. W. F. Perkins O : (8) No. 56, D. E. Mauke, Mrs. Turk ; (9) No. 
57. Edw. Bcillette R. 



SUMMER STREET, 
(i) No. 17, Miss H. L. Lounsbury R; (2) No. 21, S. C. Grant R; 
(3) No. 29, E. F. Mull R; (4) No. 35, A. E. Whittier R; (5) Mrs. 
Wightman O: (6) No. 49, E. A. Parter R; (7) No. 44, Chas. F. Oli.n 
R. M. Loughlin R: (8) Chas. Gordon O, Mrs. Russell R; (9) No. 68, 
Hobart S. Goodale R. 



FARMINGTON AVENUE, 
(i) Jos. W. Fries O; (2) C. Collins O; (3) L. M. Lawson O, Al- 
bert Johnson R : (4) Fred. Kowalski O; (5) N. Nelson O: (6) Mrs. 
Eliza J. Crittenden O: (7) Joseph Lindquist O; (8) A. B. Ackernran 0; 
(9) Andrew J. Johnson. 



684 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 




RIVERSIDE AVEXUE. 




LAUREL STREET 



OR "NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



685 



SOUTH ELM ST. 




SOUTH ELM STREET. 



*>Rospr.cT place: 




PROSPECT PLACE. 



686 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




XORTH A[ATX STRb;!-: 




PROSPECT STREET. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



687 




DIVINITY STREET. 




DIVINITY STREET. 



688 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




DIVINITY STREET. 




i IKLD STREET. 



'XEW CAMHRIDGE." 689 



PROSPECT PLACE, 
(i) A. F. Rockwell R: (2) No. 106. H. L. Beach O; (3) No. 62, P. 
M. Hollev O: (4) No. S2. Mrs. Merriam; (5) A. J. Muzzy O; (6) No. 
38. C. F. Barnes O: (7) No. 37, M. L. Seymour O; (8) No. 31, Mrs. M. 
Perkins O: (g) No. 30. F. A. Beach R. 

SOUTH ELM STREET. 
(i) No. log, Mrs. Kathrina Kaizer R. Mrs. ALiRgie Bushey R; (2) 
No. 99, Joseph Rich O: No. 97. Michael Pendel R; (3) No. 89, Joe 
Connell O; No. 87, ^Larv Fallen R. Fiorito Alzejio R: (4) No. 83, John 
McCann R, No. 85, Martin Strupp O: (s) No. 75, Jas. Labelle R. No. 
75. Tony Krvzenski R : (6) No. 84, Augusta Zurell O, No. 82, J. W. 
Moshier R; (7) No. 74. Edmund Cook R. No. 72, W. A. Judson R; 
(8) No. 69, Michael Cavallir O: (g) No. 66. Elijah Williams R, No. 64, 
Walter Brown R. 

DIVINITY STREET, 
(i) Henry Gosselin, E. Campbell, Landry St.. (2) Lyman C. Fuller, 
Landry St.. (3) J. Loman. Landry St., (4) No. 28, P. Lupien O: (5) No. 
38, John R. Hess R, Miss Jennie Thomas R: (6) Arthur Pion 6: (7) 
Joseph Tebo R: (S) Joseph Courville O: (g) No. 6q, Adam Jobes O, Wm. 
Robinson R. 

(10) No. 66, Mrs. A. Benoit R; (11) No. 68, Geo. J. Pepler R; (12) 
No. 74, H. W. Perkins R, Newton Montrope R; (13) No. 87, G. Sand- 
strom O; (14) No. 86, Mrs. James Miles O: (15) No. 88, Havard Plumb- 
R: (16) No. 96, J. W. Greeno O; (17) No. 93, Henry Steadman R: (18) 
No. 104-106, Celista Diemo O. 

(19) No. lor, Chas. E. Hanchctt O ; (20) No. lo^. Almeron Pond; 
(21) No. 113, Frank Miles O: (22) No. 124, H. B. Dodge O; (23) No. 
113, Mrs. Solomon Spring O; (24) No. 144, Eliada S. Tuttle O. Lewis 
Turtle R: (25) No. 129, Mrs. Charlie Spring O ; (26) No. 162, Jos. H. 
Ryals R, Miss Julia Norton O; (27) No. 155, Thos. O'Brien O. 

FIELD STREET. 
(1) Gideon Gamache O; (2) G. K. Keith O: (3) Wm. A. Ryan; (4) 
Anton Stenger O; (5) E. Salg O; (6) Amandus Bachman ; (7) Adam 
Diener ; (8) Pius Bachman; (9) L. Spieler. 

MEADOW STREET, 
d) No. 17. Louis Dimeo; (2) No. 21, Mrs. A. Coughlin R, No. 23, 
:\Irs. .\rtluir Leport R: (3) No. 53, Mrs. Henry P. Corless ; (4) No. 73, 
l\ E. Banning; (s) No. 92. Peter King R ; (6) No. 79. Geo. Troland, 
No. 81, John Fagan. No. 83. W. B. Stone; (7) Frank A. Pfennig; (8) 
No. 103, A. A. Smith O; (9) No. 102, Chas. H. Hyde. 



690 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




AIAIX STREET 




MEADOW STREEl' 



"NEW CAMBRIDGE." 691 



Forestville Homes 



MAIN STREET, 
(i) N. E. Riley R: (2) Forestville Branch Bristol Public Library; 
(3) W. W. Winston R ; (4) Mrs. Marilla N. Woodruff O; (5) A. j. 
Brennan. C F. Norton; (6) Mrs. H. D. Mitchell O; (7) C. B. Sanford 
R: (8) Geo. Warren R; (9) W. C. Granger R, Mrs. M. M. Keys R. 

MAIN STREET. 
(10) Mrs. S. M. Potter O; (n) F. A. Brennan R. Fred Wright R; 
(12) Ralph G. Rigby R; (13) Mrs. S. A. Belden O. Mrs. S. L. Atwood 
R: (14) Preston St., D. G. White R: (15) E. H. Perkins' Lunch; (16) 
Chas. S. Jones R; (17) Broad St., Chas. A. Palmer R, Robt. Clark R; 
(18) Mitchell St., Mrs. Wilson Potter. 

CENTRAL STREET. 

(i) P. Kennev O, C. Daley R; (2) Thos. H. DaUon R; (3) W. P. 

Weed O, L. Jacobs R; (4) Mrs. H. Daley O; (5) J. Walsh R; (6) Fred 

Hayden: (7) Nobel D. Jerome R. O. P. Downs/?,- (8) Lawson A. Taplin 

O; (9) F. A. Warner's Barber Shop. Quarters Forestville Athletic Club. 

CENTRAL STREET. 

(10) Post Office, J. F. Holden P. M. ; (11) R. P. and J. V. Burns' 

Cafe; (12) Gate House; (13) R. R. Station; (14) Douglass Bros. Store 

and G. A. R. Hall; (15) Forest House, M. O'Connell Prop.; (16) J. 

Segla; (17) S. R. Kidder; (18) Mrs. Wm. Lambert O, T. A. Lambert/?. 

CENTRAL STREET AND PLEASANT STREET. 
(19) L. B. Allen R, N. A. Alexander R; (20) J. P. Garrity O; (21) 
Jas. Dalton O; (22) F. N. Manross O; (23) Mrs. S. McDermott ; (24) 
Pleasant St., W. C. Pride R; (2s) Mrs. A. Dutton; (26) H. J. Averv 
R: (27) S. W. Wooster O. ' 

GARDEN STREET, 
(i) W. E. Allen O; (2) E. S. Chase O; (3) Y. P. Birdy 0: (4) 
W. L. Bradshaw R; (5) W. E. Conlon R. W. H. Roberts R; (6) Thos. 
Kennev R: (7) W. B. Crumb O; (8) W. H. Plummer O; (9) J. F. 
Holden P. M. 

ACADEMY AND VERNON STREETS. 
(I) Mrs. W. L. Glidden R : (j) nth. District School; ( 1,) Frederick 
A. Crane R. Vernon St.; (4) ( =; ) Fred Niles O; (6) C. Critchlev ; (7) 
J. O'Connell; (8) Geo. Sessions R : (9) Miss E. H. Merrill R. 

WASHINGTON STREET, 
(r) Miss Emilv O, (the Truman Beach Place). Geo. J. Angerbower 
R; (2) M. F Spelman O. D. Leonard R ; (3) H. G. Ashton R. H. 
Spencer R: (4) )nhn Percival R \ (5) H. Austin Vaill R; (6) F. R. 
Warner R: (8) W. C. Bucklev O; (9) Mrs. Geo. Fellows O, Mortimer 
C. Hart R. 



692 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




MAIN STREET. 




MAIN STREET. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



693 



CENTRAL ST. 




CENTRAL ST. 




CENTRAL STREET. 



694 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




CENTRAL AND PLEASANT STREETS. 



SARDCN ST. 




GARDEN STREET. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE." 



695 




ACADEMY AXD VERXOX STREETS. 




WASHINGTON STREET. 



696 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




16 l^l^^^HK IB 

WEST WASHINGTON STREET. 




ITNK SI Ki. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE.'' 697 



WEST WASHINGTON STREET, 
(lo) Frank Mvers O; (ii) Chas E. Winchell R; (12) E. D. Holley 
0; (13) Mrs. N. M. Burr O, E. M. Burr R; (14) E. D. Curtiss O; (15) 
H. L. Norton R, Chas. A. Johnson R; (16) Academy St., Hiram N. Os- 
borne R; (17) Washington St., Miss Kate McCormack R; (18) Washing- 
ton St., Miss Alice Hills O, C E. Trewhella R. 

STAFFORD AVENUE, 
(i) Thomas; (2) Henry M. Taylor O. Edwin A. Taylor R; (3) 
Joseph H. Tredinnick O ; (4) A. Larson R, E. Johnson R; (5) A. Peter- 
son R: (6) M. Polls R; (7) H. V. Palenius O, J. D. Tapailius R; (8) 
Fritz W. Johnson O, Carl Ebb R; (9) J- Fayette 0. 

STAFFORD AVENUE. 
(10) Richard Walton R, Mrs. Alice Powell R; (11) E. C Fowler 
O; (12) L. Fitzpatrick O; (13) W. D. Garlick O; (14) H. Stone O, 
Thos. Barry R; (15) C. C Scoville O; (16) Wm. H. Button R; (17) W. 
E. Bunnell O; (18) H. W. Scoville R. 

STAFFORD AVENUE. 
(19) Mrs. Shepard R; (20) Burner Shop, Am. Silver Co.; (21) 
Alfred Tallis, Sr. O: (22) Simeon Fox O; (23) W. G. Atkins O; (24) 
John H. Julifif O, The Deacon Lloyd Atkins Place — and birth place of 
Roswell Atkins; {25) Airs. M. L. Hotchkiss O; {26) W. C. Bramhall O; 
(27) Maltby Ave., Henry Juniver O. 

PINE STREET. 
(i) H. Brown R; (2) Mrs. E. MacDonald O; (3) Mrs. C. D. 
Hough O, M. B. Brennison R; (4) F. H. Perkins O ; (5) M. B. O'Brien 
O; (6) A. F. Dresser O; (7) J. Cafifertv, Jr. O; (8) Thos. Roberts O; 
(9) W. C Dean R. 

NEW, BROOK AND KING STREETS, 
(i) Aug. C. Stichtenoth, New St.; (2) Mrs. Margaret Kenny O, 
Brook St.; (3) Darwin S. Reade O ; (4) Commodore M. Broadwell O, 
Brook St.; (5) Mills H. Barnard O, Brook St.; (6) S. M. Barnard O, 
Brook St. ; (7) Felix Holden O, King St. ; (8) Oscar Anderson O, King 
St.; (9) Patrick J. Curran O, King St. 



698 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




STAFFORD AVENUE. 




STAFFORD AVENUE. 



OR "new CAMBRIDGE. 



099 



STAfFORD AV 




STAFFORD AVENUE. 



FARMINGTQN AVE. fc 




FARMINGTON AVENUE. 



700 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 




NEW, BROOK AND KING STREETS. 




OFFICERS OF WORKMEN'S SICK AND DEATH BENEFIT 
SOCIETY, NO. 120. 
Ernst Nurnberger, President ; Wm. Schoenhauer, Financial Secretary ; 
Pius Schoessler, Secretary. 

OFFICERS LADIES' TURN VEREIN. 
Pauline M. A. Nurnberger, President; Hattie Joerres, Vice-President; 
Emma Aulback, Treasurer; Bertha A. Ehlert, Corresponding Secretary; 
Mae E. Heppner, Financial Secretary. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



701 




THE NORTH SIDE HOTEL— FEDERAL AND NORTH STREETS. 




THE BRISTOL HOUSE— SOUTH STREET. 



702 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 





LOX'.i'.sT 'i\\ii.i:i ) I'uw \\i) r.\Lu;si iU^>\ ii\i, ii(>ksi, in 

THE WORLD FORMERLY OWNED BY J. W. SKELLY. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGB. 



ro3 




Lieutenants Clark and Van Ness, and Members of Co. D, 
1st Infantry, C. N. G. See page 52 * 



704 



BRISTOL. CONNECTICUT 




FRONT VIEW DUNLiAR BROS. FACTORY— SOUTH STREET. 




AN OLD TIME VIEW OF THE GALE STUDIO. 




It was the original intention to print a number of biographies of 
prominent living citizens of Bristol, but the limited space prevented. 
It is with pleasure that we show here the photograph of one of the old- 
est and best known residents of the town, Wilfred H. Nettleton. 



ERRATA 



Page 58. It has been inaccurately stated that Zebulon, the father of 
Abigal, was a deacon in the Congregational Church. Zebulon Peck, his 
son, the brother of Abigal filled that office. Note by Miss A. M. Barthol- 
omezv. 

Page 140, line 12, should read "Capt. Alvah IJ'oodiiig, Horace Monl- 
trop, etc." 

Page 342, all of the matter following line 26 was written by Mr. Milo 
Leon Norton. 

Page 388. The title of the article should read "The Swedish Lutheran 
Lebanon Congregational Church. 

Page 247. Line under photograph should read, "Branch Factory at 
JJ'eissensee, Berlin, Germany." 

Page 497. The lines under the two photographs are transposed, mak- 
ing Mr. Siitliff to appear as Mr. Lezvis and visa\ versa. 

In the article "History of School District No. 9," commencing on 
page 227, the following corrections and changes are necessary. 

Page 231, line 21, should read "after i860, fames, son of etc." 

Page 234, line 10. Anteitam instead of Bull Run. 

Page 236, lines 28 and 29, read "Yale, married Edivard Root, they 
had two daughters Jane and Mary." 

Page 237, line 34, should be Josiah Jr., instead of Josiah. 

Page 238, first line under photograph, N'o. 33 instead of No. 33, 

Page 243, line 16 should be Methodist Episocpal, etc. 

Page 24s, line 19, "Fox, zvidoiv of William, etc." 

Page 246, line 10, Mu;:::y instead of Mmay; line 25. Fniick, instead of 
Frinck. 

Page 247, 6th line from the bottom, Asahel instead of Asabel. 

Page 250, 2nd line under photograph 1807 instead of 1867. 

Page 252, line 27, "or before" instead of "to 1870." 

Page 256, last line "he purchased of Amasa Izrs Jr., etc." 

Page 270, line 15, read "Miranda" for "Mary." 

Page 274, 8th line from bottom, read "age five years: Charles H. 
Alpress {2), b. Dec. 31, 1833. Unmai-ried, liz'es at Hot Springs, Ark." 

Page 263, lines 50, 51, 52, 53 and 54 read "George Welles Bartholo- 
niezv, born June 19, 1803, married Jan. 14, 1829, Angeline. daughter of 
Dea. Charles G., and Parthenia (Rich) Ives, born Mar. 20, 1807, died 
Mar. 13, 1861. Jle married 2nd Mrs. Julia (Marvin) Cole, Jan. 27, 1864, 
she had one daughter Hettie Julia, b. May 17, 1836. 



OR NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



705 



List of Advance Subscribers 



C. B. Alx'll. 
Mr-s. S. .1. Alli.oit, 
E. E. Augriist, 
Peter Alexander, 

E. J. Arnold, 
Geo. C. Arms, 
H. G. Arms, 
Chas, Benson, 
H. I. Arms, 
Wm. J. Andrews, 
J. Aulbach, 

" Hjalmar Anderson, 
W. G. Atkins, 
A. B. Ackerman, 
C. O. Anderson, 
Sarah L. Atwater, 
C. N. Atwood, 
Elbert Atwood, 
C. Almquist, 
C. Anderson, 

F. Aliano, 

Forestville Athletic Club, 
J. Anglebower, 
Geo. Atkins, 

G. L. Anderson, 
W. B. Adams, 
G. Avolt, 

H. S. Avery, 
J. E. Andrew, 
C. H. Allen, 

F. C. Alger, 
Emily Allen, 
Oscar Anderson, 
Victor .\veiy, 

C. J. Anderson, 
E. Bradley, 

Mrs. S. H. Bartholomew, 
R. D. Barnes, 
Mrs. J. Birge, 

D. Alexander, 

G. C. Anns, 
G. Bresnahan, 
W. E. Broadwell, 
P. Buchncr, 

P. Buckner, 
A. Bachniann, 
C. P. Barnes, 
Mrs. J. Brady, 
J. L. Barnum, 
Mrs. II. A. Booth, 

E. R. Brightman, 
R. Beaiidoin, 

M. Bechard. 
J. Breshnan, 

E. W. Bengthman, 
G. B. Bacon, 

H. R. Barnum, 

F. Beaton, 
H. C. Beach, 
Jas. A. Bnmt, 
Adolph Biisch, 
Geo. T. Bachand, 
J. M. Buckly, 
W. R. Brunt, 
Walter Bennett, 
J. M. Blodgett, 
C. H. Beaudoin, 

9. P. Bartholomew, 
Seth Barnes, 
Margaret Burns, 
H. Brown. 
H. P. Brockett, 
W. II. Burns, 



A. L. Basseit, 

X. U. Bushkcy, 

Mrs. W. L. Beach, 

R. D. Buhstedt, 

S. M. Barnard, 

C. M. D. Broadwell, 

L. Bachmann, 

M. H. Barnard, 

Mrs. D. Birge, 

(.'. L. Bachand, 

R. N. Buell, 

AV. Brown, 

H. R. Beck with, 

V. Bettna, 

A. A. Bunnell, 
T. H. Brown, 

B. L. Bennett, 
J. F. Bristol, 

C. L. Birdsall, 
Jos. Bechard, 
W. F. Brainard, 
Mrs. Julia Burns, 
Herbert Booth, 

E. J. Bradshaw, 
A. S. Brackett, 
I). Brcsnalian, 
AV. R. Burkan, 
W. W. Buys, 
W. P. Ball, 
Mrs. J. Bryce, 
A. J. Brennan. 
J. D. Burgess, 
P. Ball, 

J. Bride, 

P. AV. Barnum, 

\. Beaudoin, 

F. E. Burr, 

A. H. Buskey, 

AA'. E. Barker, 

E. Bruco, 

W. L. Barrett, 

Edw. Balch, 

J. M. Borgh, 

H. L. Bradley, 

E. Bailey, 

P. Bruen, 

Irving Bruce, 

T. Barrv, 

AA'. E. Boughton, 

AA'. P. Birdv. 

AA'. C. Buckley, 

AA'. F. Bradshaw, 

11. Beach, 

AA'. F. Benoit, Jr., 

E. N'. Burr, 

Mrs. Marv Bato-. 

AV. E. Bunnell. 

AV. C. Bramhall, 

H. C. Butler, 

AV. H. Bacon, 

I,. Belden, 

C. L. Belden, 

3. Bunnell, 

Kev. C. H. Buck, 

AV. L. Bradshaw, 

Mrs. S. R. Butterick, 

R. Burwcll, 

K. \. Barnes, 

R. Barnes, 

Miss C. L. Bowman, 

K. T. Mclden. 

G. L. Bush, 
O. J. Bailey, 



A. C. Bailey, 
A. F. Bunnell, 

E. Bradley, 
R. BachuKiu, 
A. L. Bud, 
A. D. Blair, 
C. H. Barr, 

F. Bruen, 
S. Barnes, 

Mrs. J. E. Burns, 
Misses Blakeslce, 
J. AV. Bryce, 
Miss A. Burzler, 
P. Bissemey, 
T. H. C'offy, 
Robt. Carlson, 
P. B. Calvin, 
J. AV. Clark, 
C. M. Carrington, 
\V. J. Connelly, 

F. J. Costello, 

G. Cari, 

J. Coughlin, 

E. F. Connelly, 

J. J. Cunningham, 
!l. I'. Corless, 

F. Cleveland, 
AV. Clayton, 
T. Chagnon, 
A. < liouiniere, 
.1. ( 'liduiuieve, 

C. R. Carlson, 
AV. H. Cleveland, 

G. C. Canfield, 
(i. T. Colegrove, 

E. Chouiniero, 
O. M. Coffin, 
J. H. Cafferty, 

D. AV. Collins, 
Mrs. J. Carroll, 
Wm. Casey, 

AV. J. Calkins, 
C. F. Cable, 
Chas. S. Cook, 
AA'. L. Casey, 
C. Critclilev, 
J. H. Carroll, 
AV. R. Coc, 
J. Chagnon, 
A. M. Curtiss, 
AV. E. Conlon, 

F. A. Crane, 
H. B. Cook, 

E. S. Chase, 
E. n. Curtiss, 
H. C. Cottle, 
Achilla Croye, 
P. J. Crowley, 
S. E. Curtiss, 
AA'. Chapin, 

O. Clavton. 

.1. B. Chapin, 

O. Crowther, 

AV. Coons, 

•T. H. Clarence, 

Mrs. M. H. Carroll, 

O. H. Calkins. 

.\. L. Calvin, 

.\. M. ('larke, 

AV. AA'. (lark, 

n. V. Clark, 

AV. Cook. 

E. J. Cullcn, 



706 



BRISTOL CONNECTICUT, 



Mrs. J. Conlon, 
P. F. Curran, 
P. Casey, 

A. Carlson, 

B. H. Curtiss, 
Miss M. Carnell, 
E. Cote, 

Mrs. E. C. Christensen, 

C. Collins, 

E. J. Crittenden, 
J. A. Christenger, 

F. B. Curtiss, 
W. W. Clark, 
Mrs. Camp, 

J. G. Cairns, 
H. B. Cook, 
E. Curtiss, 
Dunbar Bros., 
C. F. Duchmann, 
Jas. Dingwell, 
Geo. Dalger, 
L. E. Cucuel, 
M. Carey, 
J. R. Cairnes, 
J. T. Case, 
A. J. Calkins, 
C. Doolittle, 

G. H, Dennison, 
L. Dinieo, 

S. Driver, Jr., 

J. E. Doyle, 

Mrs. F. E. Darrow, 

J. B. Degnan, 

J. Douglass, 

0. P. Downs, 

C. "W. Daniels, 

C. B. Dailey, 

T. H. Dalton, 

W. H. Dutton, 

C. H. Deming, 

W. C. Dean, 

H. E. Day, 

Mrs. R. C. Downs, 

T. J. Dwyer, 

J. H. Davis, 

N. Dube, 

H. S. Dutton, 

O. B. Dayton, 

R. Dutton, 

G. H. Button, 

E. S. Doune, 

A. P. Dresser, 

S. Duteher, 

E. J. Dutton, 

C. E. Dunbar, 

M. Dresser, 

R. E. Dillon, 

Geo. H. Day, 

W. W. Dunbar, 

Dr. Desmarais. 

H. M. Davitt, 

J. Dalton, 

J. J. Deegan, 

T. F. Doyle, 

L. A. Downs, 

"W. W. Dunbar, 

C. H. Dickinson, 

Thos. Dienneen, 

A. Diener, 

M. Driscoll, 

W. J. Daly, 

P. Deegan, 

C. H. Daniels, 

Mrs. E. Duffy, 

Mrs. E. Donahue, 

E. S. Dunbar, 

F. J. Davis, 
Eg. Dunbar, 

J. F. Douglass, 
Mrs. E. B. Dunber, 
W. J. Day, 



E. Edwards, 
G. H. Elton, 
W. E. Elwin, 
E. H. Elton, 
Rev. Nimrod Ebb, 
Alfred Erickson, 
August Erickson, 
J. Englert, 

E. J. Emmett, 
S. C. English, 
H. S. Elton, 
A. S. Eaton, 

J. E. Edwan, 
G. T. Elliott, 
M. D. Edgerton, 

A. E. Edwards, 
H. J. Forsyth, 
J. Fries, 

F. P. Flescher, 
J. Fitzsimmons, 
AV. G. Fenn, 

B. H. Fallon, 
J. Frey, 

M. Farrell, 

J. Fingleton, 

H. J. Farnnam, 

E. C. Fowler, 

J. W. Fries, 

Mrs. W. F. French, 

A. A. Ferry, 

Nettie A. Fogg, 

J. L. Fitzpatrick, 

L. Fitzpatrick, 

J. Freeman, 

S. Fox, 

J. B. Ford, 

G. B. Frolich, 
G. J. Funck, 

C. E. Fuller, 
G. W. Fenn, 
Winifred E. Fogg, 
R. W. Ford, 

J. Geisner, 
C. N. Gordon, 
J. Gasske, 
G. S. Goddard, 
L. W. Goodsell, 
Chas. A. Garrett, 
W. 0. Goodsell, 
Mrs. I. M.Gateloy, 
W C. Glasson, 
W. Gould, 
Ralph Gerth, 
A. Gartmann, 
S. T. Goodspeed, 
C. "W. Greenough, 
Mrs. E. T. Gaylord. 
C. E. Gaylord, 
W. D. Garlick, 
W. C. Granger, 
Mrs. S. C. Goodenough, 
Mrs. W. Giddings, 
J. "W. Gray, 
L. L. Griswold, 
A. H. Gosslein, 
<'. W. Giddings, 
C. Gray, 
H. E. Garrett, 
C. Grant, 
W. W. Grant, 
S. E. Green, 
G. C. Graham, 

E. .T. Oaudreau, 

F. Gaylord. 
W. D. Gorlick, 
S. R. Goodrich, 

Mrs. D. B. Goldsmith, 
A. C. Golpin. 
A. W. Griswold, 
T. J. Gewillim, 

G. E. Gillette, 



A. H. llobro, 
E. W. Gaylord, 
.V. J. Garrette, 
J. P. Garrity, 
Geo. Gustafson, 
C. H. Grant, 

C. F. Gage, 
A. J. Gerigk, 
Miss Geissweit, 
W. E. Gumme, 
Mrs. M. Guckin, 

D. Girard, 
W. Grant, 

E. Gustafson, 

M. B. Granfield, 
J. J. Gee, 
Bruno Gerth, 

F. B. Hartranft, 

E. Horton, 

.1. F. Gleason. 

H. A. Hannum, 

Mrs. J. B. Hamilton, 

C. D. Hills, 

D. Haskell. 
W. R. Hough, 

C. E. Hotchkiss, 
.7. M. Hart. 

S. B. Harper, 
\. Harper, 
J. S. Hare, 
M. Hahn, 
A. J. Hanna, 
P. F. Hurley, 
N. E. Hare, 
M. C. Hart, 

D. J. Heffernan. 
Mrs. M. Hanna, 

Mrs M. Hutchington, 

F. Herold, 

G. W. Hull, 
F. Hayes, 

E. M. Hare, 

L. P. Hannum, 
D. N. Hawley, 

F. S. Hyde, 
W. A. Hayes, 
D. H. HaU, 

Mrs. A. J. Hamlin, 

Perrj^ N. Holley, 

D. Hare, 

J. Hyland, 

S. P. Harrison, 

F. J. Holden, 

G. W. Hall, 
H. Huhn, 

J. E. Hinchcliffe, 
M. F. Harney. 

F. A. Hubbell. 
Jas. Hurley, 

G. C. Herman, 
0. A. Hough. 
W. A. Hayes, 
Mrs. B. Hammond, 
M. Hause. 

I''. A. Haviland, 

L. P. Havden. 

F. H. Ho'lmes, 
A. Harman, 

J. V. Heffernan, 

W. Hotchkiss. 

Mrs. M. L. Hotchkiss, 

P. M. Hubbard, 

Thos. F. Hackett, 
C. E. Hungerford, 

Mrs. P. J. Holmes, 

S. W. House, 

.T. H. Hayes, 

H. W. Hungerford, 

Dr. Hanrahan, 

W. S. Hart, 

P. Hassett, 



OR "new camhridge." 



707 



C. E. Hotchkiss, 
J. Hirltz, 
W. 11. Hutchinson, 
A. D. Hawler, 
R. T. HaU, 
P. Hayden, 
F. A. Horton, 
F. G. Hofsess, 
Geo. Hall, 
K. n. Hollev, 
W. H. Hoylan, 
Mrs. E. M. Hough, 
J. F. Holden, 
C. B. Ives, 
P. Ives, 

''"'. E. Ingraham, 
W. A. Ingraham, 
Mrs. E. L. Judson, 
H. H. Judd, 
J. H. Johnson, 
B. Johnson, 
C .T. .Tohnson. 
B. F. Judd, 
H. M. Johnson, 
J. W. Johnson, 

F. H. Judd, 
N. D. Jerome, 

G. Johnson, 
A. Josolowitz. 
F. N. Jacobs, 
W. Jerome. 

E. F. Judson. 
N. Johnson, 
O. A. Jones. 

H. C. Jenning:s, 
A. Johnson, 
J. N. JulifF, 
W. Janecker, 

F. E. Johnson. 
W. E. Johnson. 
Rev. T. J. Keener, 
J. E. Kennedy, 
Geo. Klimek, " 

D. A. Kellv, 

A. Kleefelfi, 

Mrs. K. C. Kellv, 

P. F. Kin?. 

C. Katzung. 

F. P. Kennelv. 

W. H. Kelsev, 

H. Kunt, 

A. Kallstrom, 

S. R. Killer 

A. E. Knickerbocker, 

Thos. Kennedy. 

W. F. Kilmartin. 

Emile Kohle. 

P. Keefe. 

Ohas. Kimberl.v. 

J. F. Kearns. 

F Tjplio.Tii. 

C. Larson. 

A. Larson, 

F. Kownlewski. 

J. Lindquist, 

John Lamb, 

W. H. Lii?s. 

H. Law, 

C. T. Lane, 

T. Large. 

N. \. Lamphier. 

R. Lasher. 

M. Lawlor, 

J. J. Lass, 

Mrs. E. AI. Lowre.v, 

H. A. Loomis. 

A. Larocquse. 

n. Larson. 

M. L. Lawson. 

Rose Luchsinarer, 



W. C. Ladd, 

C. A. Lane, 

•los. Li'Iipau. 
H. TV. Layassay, 
J. Lanly, 
R. K. Llnsley, 
M. J. Lyons. 
A. F. Lincoln, 
H. Lafayette, 
Geo. Lawlej', Sr., 
Geo. Lawley, Jr., 
Aug. Landburg, 

D. Leonard, 

L. H. Loomis, 
H. Lawrence, 
Theo. Lockenwitz, 
A. F. Lawson, 
Geo. J. La Course, 
L. La Course, 
L. H. LanlntT, 
T. Leavett, 
A. Lupier, 

F. Lnpien. 

G. Lewis, 
L. Larson. 
.1. Lonergan, 

Mrs. L. H. Linsley, 
A. A. Lilgren, 
T. A. Lambert. 
Miss L. Lange, 
Antoine Lupion. 
C. Lundgren. 
G. P. Lyons. 
L. Lasher. 
G. E. Littlefield, 
G. B. Lewis, 
A. Legase. 
T. J. Lane. 
S. A. Ladd, 
0. LincKen, 
Louis La Pierre, 
J. McKeman. 
•Tas. McKeman. 
W. Y. McMullen. 

F. McOar. 

J. McXahola. 

J. J. AfcDonagh. 

E. E. Merrill. 

E. :Mcrue. 

M. T. IVfcCoi-inack, 

C. McCarthy. 

J. H McWilliams, 

J. McLaughlin. 

J. McDonald. 

AV. McDermott, 

M. K. McConnack. 

B. J. HfcGovern. 
N^ H. :xrerrill. 

G. O. Moslev, 

Mrs. G. C, Manchester, 

•T. TV. l\ro>:hicr, 

A. Morin. 

A. Manc'icster. 

AV. E. Afills. 

A. 7,. ALnvnard, 

•Tns. Mnndeau. 

Geo. MitcheH, 

C. E. -Mitchell. 
Mrs. A. J. Muzzy. 
A. F. Matthews. " 
G. H. Aliles, 

Roy AV. n. Morrison. 

F. S. Merrill, 

C. B. Mondy. 

Moses Mcdeley. 

Afarv r. Martin. 

P. F. Martin. 

F Moreau, 

■"'. ■"'. Mnrrill. 

W AV Aforley. 



H. I. Muzz.v. 

M. Munn, 

Geo. N. Minor, 

B. Munson, 

J. K. Mulford, Jr., 
L. Merz, 
»■. K. .Vlall,„-v. 
A. H. Medley, 
F. B. Micha'el, 

C. F. Michael, 
J. J. Merrill, 
•f- A. Mathews, 
A. G. Muzzy, 
A. C. Mills.* 

I^. J. Mahoney, 
J- Mtielleins, 
A. L. Moses. 
J- B. Matthews, 
A. Munson, 
A^ E. Modin, 

E. H. Moulthrope, 
O. Melacon, 

W. H. Merritt, 

F. A. Mitchell, 
■T- D. Monaghan, 
Mrs. C. H. Muzzy, 
F. Moulthrop, 
Geo. B. Alichael, 

H. E. Meyers, 
•T. AV'. Moore, 
J- P. Moran, 
R. J. Miller, 
J. Murphy. 
F- A. Matthews, 
E. Alancnester, 
R. C. Manchester, 
H. J. Mills. 

E. L. Miner, 
AA'. S. Moore, 

Airs. H. D. Mitchell, 

Chas. Messenger, 

Mrs. J. Myers, 

B. H. Mason. 

S. Murphy, 

J. T. Mather, Jr., 

Af. .1. Malone, 

J. n. Mavnard. 

AA'. H. Miller, 

D. Afason. 

F. C. Norton, 

A. J. rforton, 
N. Nissen. 

Mrs. C. E. Nott, , 
AA^m. H. Nott, 
Mrs. F. A. Noble, 

B. G. Nichols. 

G. O. Northrop, 
H. L. Norton, 
Airs. C. Nelson, 
T. Nichol. 

A. R. Nettleton, 
X. B. Neal. 
J. G. Nichols. 
E E. Nichols. 
AV. E. Norton. 

C. Nagel. 

E. Nurnberger, 
C. N. Nagel. 
H. B. Norton. 
AA'. Af. Norton, 
A. Nelson. 
J. A. Norton. 
Jno. A, Norton, 
L. B. Norton, 
N. Nelson. 
Florence S. Norton, 
E. E. Newell, 
P. C. Nicholls, 
G. P. Neale. 
A. G. Nearing, 



708 



BRISTOL, CON'NECTICUT 



S. F. Nichols, 
Mrs. Robt. Norton, 
L. S. Norton, 
Roger S. Newell, 
N. E. Nystrom, 
Edw. Olsen, 
G. E. Oleott, 
J. T. O'Brien, 
M. B. O'Brien, 

D. T. Ogden, 

Mrs. M. E. O'Brien, 

M. OV, ,,111(1. 

J. O'Connell, 

Wm. O'Connell, 

Thos. O'Brien, 

J. T. O'Connell, 

M. L. Peck, - 

G. A. Peters, 

DeWitt Page, 

J. A. Peekham, 

C. Peterson, 

A. S. Poas, 

F. E. Pond, 

J. C. Parsons, 

E. H. Perkins, 
E. Peck, 

U. C. Parsons, 

Mrs. A. E. Pettibone, 

Nils Pierson. 

Fred Perry, 

N. C. Parsons, 

H. S. Pratt, 

M. E. Pierson, 

Joi?. Perry, 

C. Peterson, 

W. O. Perkins, 

H. .T. Peck, 

J. Peterson, 

N. E. Pierce, 

C. A: Parsons, 

A. H. Parsons, 
J. T. Palmer, 
Mrs. J. A. Pond, 
E. M. Peck, 

B. A. Peck, 

C. R. Perkins, 
H. B. Plumb, 
C. F. Pettibone, 
A. S. Pettibone, 
C. E. Parcell, 
Mrs. J. B. Page, 
A. Peterson, 
Mrs. L. Poam, 
Mrs. J. B. Pender, 
A. Peterson. 

M. Polis, 
,T. E. Pierce, 
Mrs. E. L. Peck, 

E. Prenez, 

A. C. Perkins, 
Mrs. E. S. Piper, 
Thos. Perry, 
P. Percival. 
Mrs. S. M. Potter, 
W. N. Plummer, 
A. Q. Perkins, 

A. E. Parker, 

Misa E. Jennie Peck, 
Miss Helen A. Peck, 
P. E. Pond, 
C A. Palmer, 

F. R. Parsons, 
Geo. J. Pepler, 
J. M. Peck. 

B. R. Plumb. 
N, Peck. 

Mrs. W. Potter, 
J. .T. Qiiinn. 
R. N. Qninion, 
O. Roberts. 
W. A. Ry.nn. 



A. Richards, 

W. W. Roe, 

Mrs. P. J. Riley, 

C. Ryan, 

Darwin i{e;ul. 

R. L. Rigby, 

E. L. Royland, 

Mrs. H. C. Rockefeller, 

W. C. Richards, 

J. A. Royce, 

A. L. Roberta, 

H. T. Roberts, 

J. H. Rals, 

P. Riquist, 

R. Ronalter, 

N. E. Riley, 

W. H. Roberts, 

H. C. Rancor, 

R. J. Rigby, 

G. S. Reed, 

A. F. Reed, 

W. R. Russell, 

C. E. Rottger, 

J. Riley, 

W. W. Russell, 

H. Redniann, Jr., 

Geo. A. Rowe, 

Robt. P. Rvan, 

W. Roberts, 

II. S. Richemever, 

J. W. Re.vnolds, 

A. J. Rawson, 

M. B. Rohan. 

C. E. Russell, 

T. C. Root, 

H. E. Russell, 

Dr. B. B. Bobbins, 

W. O. Robinson, 

H. A. Re.vnolds, 

Wm. H. Rowe, 

G. L. Roberts. 

G. B. Roberts, 

L. E. Ponse, 

J. D. Reeve, 

W. J. Roberts, 

W. C. Rechtmeyer, 

P. J. Reddy, 

Miss M. Roberts, 

J. H. Rvals, 

AV. T. Revnolls, 

J. AV. Skelly. 

Mrs F. Schubert, 

Mr-i r B Scuddcr, 

H. J. Smith. 

E. J. Sheeky, 

Mrs. Geo. J. Schubert, 

T. Schubert. 

A. Stephenson. 

J. P. Streigle, 

A. P. Stark, 

Ij. Spieler. 

A. L. Sessions, 

P. A. South. 

Mrs. L. E. Seymour, 

E. Spencer, 

Mrs. M. G. Sutliffe, 

A. Schafer, 

Mrs. P. Smith, 

Ij. A. Sanford, 

E. P. Sanborn, 

J. L. Shields, 

W. E. Sessions. 

Mrs. A. Sampson, 

H. W. Soule, Jr., 

J. Ii. Strup, 

AV. Stolz, 

P. Sigournev. 

AA^ AA'. Sharpe. 

J. Skelskv. 

0. Stock. 

J. Scnrritt. 



C. H. Stock, 

B. Smith, 

A. L. Strichteneth, 
Mrs. M. G. Sutliffe, 

E. E. Stockton, 
AV. L. Smith, 
M. S. Soule, 
Paul Stein, 
G. Schubert. 

C. Spencer, 
P. Schussler, 
H. Sweeney, 
AV. Schoenaner, 
W. P. Smithwick, 

D. C. Stevens, 
Mrs. C. C. Smith, 
A. J. Sjogren, 

E. E. Smith, 
E. S. Soule, 
J. Seaman, 

Mrs. J. H. Swift, 
Rev. C. N. Shepard, 
C. B. Sanford, 
P. Sahlin, 
AV. T. Smith, 
C. J. Swenson, 
Roy Stone. 
M. L. Sullivan, 
P. H. Saxton, 
AV. R. Strong, 
H. AA^ Simmons, 
J. J. Sullivan. 
Michael Schilling, 
Mrs. A. Spring, 
A. P. Stawart, 
L. H. Snyder, 
J. E Stewart, 
S. AV. Steele, 
O. F. Strunz. 
C. A. Swanston, 
G. P. Scherr, 
P. Shields. 
M. J. Smith, 
P. Salery. 

C. C. Scoville. 
Mrs. G. Shepard, 
H. Stone. 

H. AV. Scoville, 

J. Segla, 

S. N. Sheldon, 

P. Steele. 

AV. R. Spicer, 

H. AV. Scoville, 

E Scheidel. 

AV. F. Stone, 

P. A. Schaffer, 

Mrs. C. Treadway, 

G. P. Thomas. 

G. Tong. 

G. AA'. Thompson, 

H. AV. Tuttle, 

A. J. Tollis, Jr., 

J. Trove, 

R. A'. Tomlinson, 

H. AA'. Tavlor, 

L. P. Thomas, 

T. L. Thomas. 

H. M. Ta.vlor, 

P. H. Thomas, 

J. Tredennick. 

Mrs. Sidnev Tracv, 

E. S. Tuttle, 

Thos. Treloar. 

Mrs. H. C. Thompson, 

A. Theureaux. 

.J. Theureaux, 

AV. J. Tracy, 

D. Theureaux, 

AV. A. Thewhella, 
Mrs. J. T'i-well. 
O. H. Thomas. 



OR "NKW CAMBRIDGE. 



709 



T. A. Tracy, 
J. Tregaiiza. 
Mrs. N. Turk, 
Joseph Terrien, 
Mrs. L. A. Taplin, 
C. E. Trewhella, 
G. H. Turner, 
W. Thomas, 
G. F. Thomas, 
W. H. Thomas, 
J. H. Thomas, 

F. E. Torrv. 
J. W. Tiacv. 
E. L. Tolan, 

C. I. Treadway, 
Mrs. G. R. Tuttle, 
A. J. Tjinerson. 

E. Thomas, 
C. H. Terry. 
W. A. Terry, 
Ella A. Upson. 
Dr. C. R. Upson, 
Mrs. H. Umphrey, 
R. Unwin. 

M. Van Allen, 
W. Van IJess, 
Mrs. J. .S. Voorhpps. 
A. H. Vaill. 

G. -W. Veubana, 
A. Vanasse, 

F. W. Vickers, 
F. Valentine. 



C. W. Vosberg, 
P. Vanoni, 

C L. Wooding, 
II. O. Webler, 
B. P. Webler, 

D. S. Wadsworth, 
L. L. Whittlesey, 
J. Wheeler. 

F. A. Weeks, 
J. J. Welsh. 
R. Walton, 

Geo. W. Watorhouse, 

Dr. ,T. S. Wilson. 

M. E. WeUlon. 

K. H. Whelan. 

B. Williams. 

P. J. Welsh. 

V. S. White, 

•T, D. Whipple, 

.T. M. White, 

B. White, 

R. H. Woodt'jrd, 

H. N. Wilcox, 

G. A. White. 
G. W. "Wooster, 
F, A. Warner, 
•T. Wise, 

n. Willman, 
George Weeks, 
Mrs. W. L. Weeks, 
W. P. Weed. 
.T. Walsh. 



H. J Wilson, 
Mrs. S. E. Weed, 

A. M. Warner, 
G. R. Webster, 
Jno. Walton, 

Mrs. H. S. Wilson, 
Mrs. N. S. Whightman, 

E. Williams, 

G. W. Whittemore, 
N. J. Walsh, 
J. W. Williams, 
W. E. Whightman, 
George Warren, 

F. E. Wilcox, 
Mrs. J. L. Wilcox, 

C. C. Weld, 

B. S. W'arner, 
T. West. 

F. B. Wasley, 

F. A. Wasley, 

Mrs. C. E Winchell, 

H. C. Wright, 

F. W. Wright, 

H. R. Wav, 

E. J. Weed, Jr., 

D. J. Webster, 
S N. Voung, 

F. Zink. 
A. Zam, 

G. Zahnke. 



710 



BRISTOL, CONNECTICUT 



INDEX 



I --, „ Page 

Arms, Geo. C, Mouninental Works 432 

Barnard, M. H ' 431 

Barnes Co., The Wallace.'.'.'.'.'.'."." 430 

Barrett Factory, The Win. L 436 

Bartholomew Factory, The Edge- 
wood 405 

Birds, Rambles Among the Bristol, 217 

Natural History, Photographv 392 

Same Bristol Game ... " 437 

Berge Sons' Co., The W L . " ' 424 

Blakeslee Novelty Co., The d'?-? 

Bradle.yites, The 540 

Brightwood Hall ■" 333 

Bristol in 1721 . . . 21 

Centennial Address, Peckj isss" 25 

"New Cambridge" 30 

Mr. Newell Installed .".'.'.'." 31 

Petition for Eccles. Incorporation, 30 

incorporation 30 

Borough of Bristol ....'. aa-i 

Bristol Mfg. Co., The....; 416 

Bristol Press, The 345 

Bristol Homes cfio 

Bristol Trust Co '. 659 

Cemetery, The Old Episcopal... ' 30^ 
Churches, Ecclesisatieal, etc 

Advent Christian 44.:; 

Baptist 43 213 

Congregational, The First..'.".'. ' 170 

Earliest Preaching .>§ 

Early • Ecclesiastical Contro- 
versies on 

Early Episcopal '.'.".'.'.!.'!!!!' 34 

Episcopal Church, The First " 397 

German Ev. Lutheran " 333 

Methodist Episcopal, Prospect, 45 933 
Methodist Episcopal, Forestville. ' 

Mount Hope ciiapel. ....'.".".".'... ' 535 

St. Matthew's Roman Catholic. . ." 543 

St. .Joseph's Church 359 

Swedish Congregational Church'.'. 386 

Swedish Lutheran Lebanon 388 

Swedish Ev. Lutheran. Forest- 
ville (366 

Trinity Church 306 

Clayton Bros. Inc ['/ 417 

Clocks, Early Days of IndustrV, "49, 140 

Co. D., C. N. G ; 357 

Copper Mines of Bristol, The.! 440 

Curfew Bell, The 380 

Diatomes of Bristol 27S 

Dunbar, Moses, Loyalist .'.'.'.'.' 141 

Early Industries 46. s.-jt) 

Fall Mountain, History of...'.'.'...' 12.-; 
Fire Department, 633, 637 639 

641, 645. 

Ford Machine Shop, The .1. B . . 41'' 

Forestville '. '. 543 

Founders and Their Homes.... 193 2-^7 
Fraternal Bristol— 

A. 0. H 613 

Brightwood Camp, M. W. of A.. 615 

Bristol Grange 595 

Bristol Turner Society. ..'..'...'. 589 

Companion Court Geneva 615 

Daughters of Rebekah 593 

Eagles 593 

Forester I 575 

F. * A. M .'.'."!.".'.'.'.' .58.5 

Fedelia Circle 577 

Gilbert Thompson Po<;t 646 

I- O. O. F 623, 626 

Ivatlionne Gaylord Chapter, D. A. 

R 620 

K- of C 581 



Page 

K. of P 628 

L'Union S. J., Baptist D'A 615 

Manross • Post 651 

National A.ssn. Stationary En- 
gineers 573 

N. E. O. P 579 

One Hundred Men Society 604 

Oneida Club 569 

Order of \a3-a 571 

Order of E. S 615 

O. U. A. M 587 

Red Men 567 

Red Cross 628 

R. A. M 593 

Royal A real) .ii 591 

Royal Neighbors of America . . . 583 

Ruth Rebekah Lodge 595 

Scandinavian Sick Benefit 608 

Societe Des Artisans, etc 607 

Sons of St. George 605 

St. Jean Baptiste Society 602 

St. Joseph's Sick Benevolent... 606 
Swedish Temperance Society .... 608 

Whigville Grange 599 

Gavlord. Katherine, Heroine, . .61, 134, 

620. 
(Ji ne:'l( eical Section (see also pages 
227, 526, 534.) 

Adams, John H 476 

Adams. Walter 512 

Atwood, Anson L 4 V9 

Barnes, Rodnev 454 

Barnes. Thos 511-|;2. 

Barnes, Wallace 465 

Bailey, Chas. S 503 

Bartholomew, Geo. W 486 

Bartholomew, Harry S 486 

Beach, Chas 486 

Birge. John 505 

Birge, Geo. W 507 

Birge, Hon. John 506 

Birge, Nathan L 505 

Birge, Nathan R 507 

Bradlev, Warren 1 460 

Brewster, Elisha C 485 

Bunnell, .\llen 485 

Candee, Wales A 502 

Clayton. Win 509 

Churphill, : Chas 469 

Churchill, Chas. Jr 469 

Cook, Havilah T 473 

Darrow, Elijah 471 

Darrow, Franklin E 472 

Day, Wm 468 

Downs (or Downes) Family. . . 447 

Dunbar, Edw. B 481 

Dunbar, Col. Edw. L 467 

Gale, Herbert X 456 

Gaylon'i, Wm 515 

Gavlord, Jesse 471 

Gibb, Rev. Wm 477 

Griggs, Dr. Leverett 508 

Goodenough, Lester 48S 

Hancock, Elder S. C 453 

Hawley, Benj. F 496 

Hanna, Jas 464 

T'oiil-er, Deaoim Bvvan 450 

Hubbell. Julius R 461 

Hull, Geo. S., M. D 501 

Hungerford. Evits 473 

Ingraham, Edw 457 

Intfraham. Elias 498 

Ives, Orrin B iS7 

Jennings, John J 503 

Lewis, Benj. R *97 

Mallory, Ransom 4*8 

Manross. Elisha *99 



NEW CAMBRIDGE. 



711 



Page 

Miller, David S 476 

Mitchell, Hon. Ale.\ 508 

Mitchell, Julius R 46i 

Mitchell, 3. A 460 

NcwfU. Lot and Naoiui 511 

Newell, Samuel P o02 

Norton, A. L 46? 

Norton, Geo 495 

Nott, Chas. E 471 

Nott, Julius 494 

Penfield, Gilbert 4 75 

I'idcoek, OiUiiel i'JS 

Pomeroy, Noah 470 

Pierce, Isaac 49S 

Kichards, Wni. C 514 

Richards, Wm. R 513 

Root, Chas, J 516, 521 

Root, Mrs. Catherine R 520 

Root, Miss Mary P 516 

Root, Samuel E 465 

Roberts, Miss Candace 516, o22 

Schuber;, Geo. J 510 

Sessions, Albert 491 

Sessions, John Henry 490 

Sessions, John Huniphrej' 489 

Seymour, Allen 485 

Si.Uitft'. J. II 47;t 

Sigourney, Jos 478 

Steele, Chas. A 475 

Sutliff, S. M 497 

Thompson, H. C 500 

Tuttle, Constant L 488 

Way, Harvey E., M. U 4'J2 

Welch, Elisha N 493 

Woodward, Edw. P 455 

Wright, E. L 459 

Gidding's Carriage, Forging, etc.. 485 

Hobro iV Rowe . 4i)4 

Horton Mfg. Co., The 411 

Hotel, The Brick 423 

Ideal Laundry 434 

Indians of Bristol and Vicinitj". . ^ 

Ingraham Co., The E 407 

Indian Names 13, 26 

"Compound" (Compounce) . . . .16, 17 

Tunxis 25 



Page 

Prehistoric Remains 79 

John Humphrey Sessions i: Son . . 661 

Ladd Co., The W. C 421 

"Leather Man," The Old 162 

Mills Box Shop 662 

Mount Hope Chapel j38 

Natural History Photography 392 

New Departure Mfg. Co ill} 

Peek, Abigal, "The Bear Girl"... 59 

Penfield Saw Works 414 

Pequaback River, The 166 

Police , . 599 

Prehistoric Remains 79 

Present Industries of Bristol 39."^ 

Public- Librar.\ 654 

Reminiscences of Youthful Pas- 
times 378 

Schools of Bristol 523 

First School Houses 35 

History of School Dist. No. 9... 227 

History of School Dist. No. 10.. 526 

North Side School Dist. No. 2 . . 534 

Session.^, Clock Co., Tuc 395 

Slave Bill of Sale 3o 

Sessions Foundry Co., The 397 

Slave Girl 57 

Sporting Bristol 553 

Smith, Marshall J 425 

Snyder Co., The L. H 408 

Swanston's Orchestra 390 

Taverns 42 

Terry & Co., Fletcher 413 

Thompson Clock Co 418 

Turner & Deegan 414 

Turner Heater Co., The 409 

War — Revolutionary 36, 37 

French and Indian 36 

Civil 53 

Warner Co., The A. H 419 

West Hill Club 422 

Wicket, The Srtiiage Yankee (iame 

of 292 

Welcome 664 

Witchcraft 44 

Whigville Grange 599 



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